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THE 

TRUE EVANGELIST: 



OR, 



AN ITINERANT MINISTRY, 

PARTICULARLY THAT OF 

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHUPCH, 

EXPLAINED, GUARDED, AND DEFENDED. 



BY REV. JAMES PORTER. 



WITH AN INTRODUCTION 

BY REV. ABEL STEVENS. 

JatZLF int ° aH the W ° rid ' aRd PreaCh the g0speI t0 ever ? mature." 

^ A thli h Si Wdnt /° r - h ' a ? d P reached Q ^y w here 3 the Lord working 
with them and confirming the word with signs following."— Mark. 
** The world is mj parish."— Wesley. 

THIRD EDITION. 

BOSTON: 

BINNEY & OTHEMAN. 

1847. 






Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1847, by JAMES 
POSTER, in the Clerk's office of the District Court of the District of 
Massachusetts. 



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Drew Tkieolog. &$™>. 

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Gr«G. Rand & Co., Printers, No, 3 CornhilL 



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PREFACE. 

i~f 

This little volume is intended to occupy a place which 
is not filled by any other book. It was suggested by 
the experience and observation of the writer, in the 
several relations he has sustained to the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, and contains the substance of vari- 
ous sermons, and conversations, which he has found it 
necessary to give in different places. Its object is to 
exhibit the itinerant system as it really is, and to guard, 
strengthen, and defend it, as a system of divine sanc- 
tion, eminently calculated to promote the salvation of 
the world. 

In submitting it to the press, the writer yields to the 
judgment of those, in whose opinions he has been ac- 
customed to place high confidence. And if its publi- 
cation shall contribute to the confirmation and useful- 
ness of his younger brethren, in carrying forward the 
grand scheme of evangelizing the world by an itiner- 
ant ministry, he will feel himself richly compensated 
for his labor. 

The Author. 
Worcester, Mass., 1847. 

3 



CONTENTS. 



Introduction, 7 

Chapter I. 

An Itinerant Ministry Scriptural, 11 

Chapter II. 

An Itinerant Ministry Expedient, 18 

Chapter III. 

Objections to an Itinerant Ministry Considered, ... 42 

Chapter IV. 

Some Things Necessary to Constitute an Itinerant 
Ministry Efficient, 50 

Chapter V. 

The System of Itinerancy in the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church, 65 

Chapter VI. 

Some Sources of Danger to the Itinerancy of the 

Methodist Episcopal Church, 88 

1* 5 



CONTENTS. 



Chapter VII. 



The Kind of Ministry Necessary to the Itinerancy 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church 1 17 

Chapter^ VIII. 

Local Preachers as the Stand Related to the Itin- 
erancy of the Methodist Episcopal Church, . . . 135 

Chapter IX, 

The Duties of Stewards in Relation to the Itiner- 
ancy of the Methodist Episcopal Church, .... 142 

Chapter X. 

The Office and Duties of Class Leaders as con- 
nected with the Itinerancy, 154 



INTRODUCTION. 



It is generally believed by those who receive the 
Holy Scriptures as the word of God, that the Christian 
Ministry is of divine appointment. Who may properly 
enter it ? — what are the necessary qualifications for the 
office, and how ought it to be sustained and exercised ? 
with numerous collateral questions, are matters of some 
diversity of opinion. Good and intelligent men have 
honestly arrived at various conclusions regarding them, 
and adjusted themselves to their faith in different deno- 
minations accordingly. It would be interesting to trace 
this diversity in its ramifications^ but the object of the 
ensuing pages confines the author principally to the 
single aspect of the subject indicated by the phrase 
Itinerant Ministi-y. 

A ministry which holds the pastoral charge of the 
same church for an indefinite term of years, as among 
Congregationalists, is called a settled ministry. One 
which is not thus fixed, but goes from place to plaee^ 
with or without system, is distinguished by the term 
Itinerant. 

A settled ministry subject to De called, contracted 
with, and inducted into the office of pastor by the peo- 
ple, and retained ad libitum, is the popular idea of the 

7 



8 INTRODUCTION. 

Christian pastorate, at the present day, especially in 
New England, where it has existed more than two cen- 
turies. Whether this is attributable to the fact, that it 
is more business like, placing preachers and people in 
the market, as it really does, or that it gives free scope 
to selfishness in both, in disposing of themselves, or to 
some other cause, is open to conjecture. The fact is 
unquestionable, and the Itinerant feels its effects wher- 
ever he goes. Many have determined that our Itiner 
ancy with its necessary Episcopal basis is wrong, and 
deny us even the common interdenominational cour- 
tesies. Indeed, no pains have been spared to intercept 
our progress and destroy our influence. Others rejoice 
in our doctrine and ministrations, but do not sustain us 
otherwise than by complimentary speeches, because we 
do not settle, and become exclusively their own. There 
are many of this character. They see no reason why 
we do not locate like other ministers, or why they should 
support a system that does not consult their particular 
tastes, and cannot be under their local control. The} 
seem to forget that benevolence, not selfishness, is the 
appropriate principle of action in this highest function 
on earth, and that we are bound to sustain that policy, 
which, being in harmony with divine revelation, is the 
most efficient in securing the objects of the ministry. 
Hence, while they bestow loud encomiums upon the 
efficiency of our itinerancy, as an incomparable instru- 
mentality in converting men to God, they still adhere to 
and support a system of far less efficiency, themselves 
being judges. 

Some of our own church members who have been 



INTRODUCTION. 9 

educated under Congregational influences, are not en- 
tirely weaned from these popular notions. There are 
others who are captivated by the success of our cause, 
and vigorously support it, who are yet unable to explain 
and defend its system of operations. They, therefore, 
admit objections to parts of it, which they ought to meet 
and resist, while as a whole they advocate and sustain 
it for its acknowledged utility. The church has suffered 
exceedingly from this source, and must continue to suffer 
till our members are impressed with the divine philoso- 
phy of the system in its parts no less than as a whole, 
and are able to defend it- against every assault. To 
promote such an appreciation of our ministerial economy 
is the principal object of the following pages. 

Another purpose contemplated by my friend in the 
preparation of this work, is the promotion of a cheerful, 
more elastic and energetic operation of our whole system. 
To feel that we are pursuing the right course, and mov- 
ing in the order of Heaven, is divinely exhilarating. It 
gives fresh energy to every faculty, and nerves us to 
endurance and labor. An itinerant minister, depriving 
himself of many of the conveniences of domestic life, 
of ease, honor and emolument, and grappling with pop- 
ular prejudice and incessant labors, is liable to depress- 
ing discouragements. Nothing short of the fullest 
conviction that he is doing his duty, and cannot deviate 
without recreance to conscience and to God, can sustain 
him. The burden-bearing portion of the church are 
similarly exposed, though not in so great a degree, and 
need to be inspired by the same high considerations., 
It is profitable for us, therefore, occasionally to review 



10 INTRODUCTION. 

the grounds of our economy, and re-write its hallowing 
sentiments upon our hearts. 

It will bear examination. Its results in both hemis- 
pheres are looked upon by many wise and good men as 
providential anomalies of the age. A just comprehen- 
sion of its principles and consequences would produce, 
among our people, it is believed, a sentiment of heroic 
self-sacrifice and devotion in its support. I am happy, 
therefore, in giving my humble commendation of a work 
which so fully and ably expounds it as does the present 
volume. It is, as it should be, a popular discussion of 
the subject, in style and spirit, but proceeds on a solid 
theoretical substructure. The details of the discussion 
are there amply traced, more so than in any other work 
extant. I doubt not that its circulation will tend very 
effectually to correct the prevalent prejudice against our 
ecclesiastical system, and invigorate the interest of our 
people for it. 

A. STEVENS. 

Boston, 1847. 



THE TRUE EVANGELIST. 



CHAPTER I. 

AN ITINERANT MINISTRY SCRIPTURAL. 

The first question to be considered in the dis- 
cussion of any measure proposed for the advance- 
ment of religion, is, do the Scriptures authorize 
it ? Inclination, convenience, philosophy and 
apparent utility, furnish but a poor apology for it, 
while it has not the sanction of this divine stand- 
ard of faith and practice, either by direct precept 
or logical induction. Nor is the absence of all 
these a valid objection to it, while it is sustained 
by this high authority. 

The Christian ministry is a divine institution. 
Its origin and early operations, are matters of 
inspired record. By referring to the New Testa- 
ment history we learn, that its imperial Founder 
was himself an itinerant. Instead of confining 
his ministry to his native town, or to the capital of 
the country, he " went about doing good." When 
II 



12 THE TRUE EVANGELIST. 

persecution or unbelief interrupted his course, so 
that he " could not do many mighty works " in 
one place, he withdrew himself and resorted to 
another. And when his popularity had reached 
such a height that the people were about to pro- 
claim him " a king," he departed into a mountain, 
and from thence to Capernaum, and elsewhere, as 
the interests of the people required. 

Matthew, speaking of his itinerancy, says, " he 
went about all Galilee, teaching in their syna- 
gogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom," 
— that " he went about all the cities and villages." 
His own representation is to the same effect. 
"When a certain Scribe " said unto him, Master, 
I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest,".he 
replied, " the foxes have holes and the birds of 
the air have nests, but the Son of man hath not 
where to lay his head." Both the question and 
the answer show, that he circulated among the 
people in the largest sense. As the infidelity of 
the community did not deter him from giving 
them an offer of life, so neither did their faith or 
flattery restrain him from leaving them and preach- 
ing to others. The obscure village was not so unim- 
portant as to escape his notice, nor the magnifi- 
cent city so attractive, as to monopolize his efforts. 

Whether he designed that his coadjutors and 
successors should imitate him in this respect, is 



ITINERANCY SCRIPTURAL. 13 

to be considered. When he called Peter, and 
Andrew his brother, to the ministry, he said, 
" Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.'' 
And they left their nets and followed him. He 
called James and John immediately after, and 
" they left the ship and their father and followed 
him." So also it was with Matthew, whom he 
found sitting at the receipt of custom. They 
were all taken at once into the itinerancy, to share 
their Master's toils, to listen to his instructions, 
and to participate in his sufferings, that they 
might be prepared for their destined work. If 
they were not yet actual ministers, they were can- 
didates, and were, therefore, put upon a course of 
training best adapted to fit them for their calling. 
It is doubtful whether any man can well sustain 
the duties and trials of such a work, till he has 
been educated under the tuition of some practical 
professor. He may have much valuable informa- 
tion, but how to apply it in the best manner is to 
be learned by experience and observation. A 
minister not only needs theory but practice, and 
that under the eye of an accomplished master. 
Hence the utility of the circuit system, which 
brings youth and age in contact, and enables licen- 
tiates to see something of the operation of the 
ministry, before they are called to incur all its 
responsibilities. 
2 



14 THE TRUE EVANGELIST. 

Having selected the twelve apostles, Jesus sent 
them forth, saying, " Go not into the way of the 
Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans 
enter ye not ; but go rather to the lost sheep of 
the house of Israel. And as ye go, preach, the 
kingdom of heaven is at hand. Into whatsoever 
city or town ye shall enter, inquire who in it is 
worthy, and there abide till ye go thence." He 
afterward " appointed other seventy also, and sent 
them two and two before his face into every city 
and place whither he himself would come." The 
great commission given to the eleven after his res- 
urrection — the commission under which all min- 
isters claim to act, places this matter in the clear- 
est light. " Go ye into all the world, and preach 
the gospel to every creature," is its expressive 
language. " Go" not settle down — "go into all 
the world," How explicit ! " And preach the 
gospel to every creature." They had been re- 
stricted before, now all restriction is removed, and 
they are to preach not to Jews only, but to the 
Gentiles — to the Greeks and Barbarians. 

It was in view of this, that the immortal Wesley 
declared, " The world is my parish." And accord- 
ing to this divine charter, it is the parish of every 
man whom Christ calls to the holy office. How 
can it be understood in any other sense ? When 
one was inclined to tarry among his friends and 



ITINERANCY SCRIPTURAL. 15 

attend to the burial of his father, Jesus said to 
him, " Let the dead bury their dead, but go thou 
and preach the kingdom of God." That the 
eleven understood it as an itinerant commission, 
is certain, for it is added, " so then, after the 
Lord had spoken to them, he was received up 
into heaven, and they went forth and preached 
every where, the Lord working with them and 
confirming the word." The itinerancy of St. 
Paul is a matter of imperishable record. The 
map of his long and tedious journeys by sea and 
land, is found in almost every Sabbath school of 
whatever denomination, and is a silent rebuke to 
the localism of the age. 

Timothy and Titus were travelling bishops, 
going like angels of mercy to every part of the 
known world, superintending the whole work, and 
pushing the victory in every direction. Indeed, 
itinerancy was a stamped feature of the apostle- 
ship. All were called of God — all itinerated, and 
the world was filled with their doctrine. 

It is not pretended that there were no local 
agencies at work, for there were many. Says St. 
Paul, " God set some in the church, first apostles, 
secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that, 
miracles, then gifts of healing ; helps, governments, 
diversities of tongues." No doubt, that many of 
these were more limited in their sphere of opera- 



16 THE TRUE EVANGELIST. 

tion. What we contend for is, that the ministers 
who were regularly called — of whom God, in his 
wisdom, has seen fit to furnish a particular account, 
were itinerants. 

Nor is it denied that the itinerancy began to 
decline at an early period, and that a settled min- 
istry, possessing the elements of an ecclesiastical 
hierarchy, succeeded it. And it is equally certain 
that piety declined also, and that the church was 
rent by heresies, the most corrupting and danger- 
ous. What connection these two facts have with 
each other we will not now say. That various 
philosophers and Judaizing teachers crept into the 
churches formed by the apostles, and turned away 
some from the simplicity of the gospel to their 
boasted systems, is clearly indicated in the epistles. 
Says " the chief of the apostles " to the Gala- 
tions, " I marvel that ye are so soon removed from 
him that called you into the grace of Christ. 
Who hath bewitched you? I am afraid of you, 
lest I have bestowed upon you labor in vain." 
These troublers of Israel were not open enemies. 
Had they been, they would have been less danger- 
ous. They were the pretended friends of religion, 
and suggested their novelties as learned correc- 
tions and improvements. Their object was to 
adjust Christianity to the pride of man; and 
whether they did this with a view to procuring a 



ITINERANCY SCRIPTURAL. 1? 

settlement, or not, as they succeeded in alienating 
many of the disciples from their spiritual teachers, 
they no doubt received calls, and were instituted 
regular pastors in due form, that is, in a form 
agreeable to the popular taste. 

The itinerancy in those early times was pecu- 
liarly laborious. It was attended with imminent 
danger, which required Herculean courage to 
meet it. It was almost entirely unrequited, as its 
worthiest incumbents had to labor with their own 
hands to get bread ; whereas human nature inclines 
to ease, to emolument, to public applause, to home 
and friends. And what were men then, more 
than now, that they would withstand these oppo- 
sing influences to the carrying out of the grand 
charter of ministerial duties? 

Thus it is evident, that an itinerant ministry has 
the sanction of Christ and his apostles, and that 
the commission under which we act, as clearly 
requires us to itinerate, as to preach. If others 
can find authority for settling over a congregation 
for a long series of years, or for life, and expend- 
ing their energies in a single village or neighbor- 

o o o o o 

hood, we do not complain. What we have aimed 
to prove is, that those who itinerate to preach the 
gospel, act in accordance with the example of the 
Master and his apostles, and only follow the direc- 
tions of the " great commission.'' 
2* 



CHAPTER II. 



AN ITINERANT MINISTRY EXPEDIENT. 

Some who admit that it is lawful for ministers 
to itinerate, deny its expediency, and we are not 
unfrequently entertained with a chapter of objec- 
tions, which in the absence of its advantages, 
appear formidable. A few thoughts upon this 
point may not be out of place here. Though the 
question admits of a wide range, we shall confine 
our remarks to the narrowest limits possible. 

1. We argue the affirmitive of the question 
from the fact, that there are different gifts or 
grades of talent in the ministry. Men probably 
differ more in their mental and moral constitutions, 
than in their physical ; and this difference is not 
much lessened by education. Christ, in his sove- 
reignty, selects his ministers from all classes and 
conditions — from the field, the fishing boat, the 
receipt of custom, and also from the walks of aris- 
tocracy. So that we find among them all degrees 
of refinement, of intellect and sensibility — orators, 
logicians, poets and historians, sons of consolation, 



ITINERANCY EXPEDIENT. 19 

and sons of thunder. Now is it probable, that 
the Savior designs that his ministers, thus diver- 
sified, should confine their labors to a single con- 
gregation? This diversity, it seems rational to 
conclude, is designed for some definite object. 
And what can it be, if it is not to meet the neces- 
sities of the cause ? But is all the heresy in one 
place, that Paul should spend his life there in 
grappling and overthrowing it ? We know better. 
Heresy is wide-spread, and if God has called a 
logical, clear-sighted Paul, who is able to ana- 
lyze error in its multiform aspects, is it not fairly 
inferable, that it was designed for him to itinerate? 
How else can he meet the emergency ? " The 
defence of the gospel," some ministers have little 
taste or capacity for, and yet it is ministerial work, 
which is more or less necessary in every place. 

Who can believe that the Master designed 
Boanerges should lavish their thunder upon one 
little community ? Are there not others who 
need it as much? And is there but one city 
where the mourner needs comforting, that the son 
of consolation should shut himself up within its 
walls, and expend all his sympathy upon its afflic- 
ted ? And is all the taste and refinement in one 
neighborhood, that elegant Apollos should settle, 
and shed all his splendors there? We believe 
there is necessity for these several talents in every 



20 THE TRUE EVANGELIST. 

community, and that to circumscribe their appli- 
cation, as is done by the local policy, is entirely 
opposed to the divine economy. Besides, it puts 
it in the power of selfish men, who have pecu- 
niary means, to bottle up the thunder, and light- 
ning, and logic, and tears of the pulpit, and 
appropriate them to their own exclusive use. 

2. Another argument in favor of an itinerant 
ministry is, there are different tastes among the 
people. Dislike it as we may, it is impossible for 
one minister to please every body. Every minister 
is too profound, or too superficial — too refined or 
too coarse, to gratify a portion of his hearers, as 
would be most profitable for them, and yet each is 
a perfect model in the view of some of them. 
One man as naturally admires the reasoning of 
Paul, as another does the eloquence of Apollos. 
Another, who takes little interest in either, is 
overwhelmed by the energy of Peter, while his 
neighbor, indifferent to them all, is charmed and 
melted by the sympathy of Barnabas, the son of 
consolation. Accordingly, there is a correspond- 
ing difference in our capability of usefulness to 
individuals. A minister is not so likely to be use- 
ful to those who are not pleased with his style and 
manner. We have to attract the people to hear 
us before we can benefit them by our preaching ; 
and then, if they are interested in the manner, 
they may heed what is said. 



ITINERANCY EXPEDIENT. 21 

As the necessary result of these phenomena, 
there are a portion of the people who sit under a 
settled ministry, that seldom have their peculiar 
tastes gratified. Their preacher may be a very 
good man, but his style and temperament do not 
happen to meet their peculiar preferences. And 
hence, unless they are governed more by principle 
than by passion, (a rare occurrence among unbe- 
lievers,) they will be apt to forsake his ministry, 
or at least, to pay little attention to it. 

This point is illustrated by a single fact in the 
history of itinerancy, viz., that its revivals are 
comparatively frequent. By a frequent change of 
ministers, all the talents of the vocation are 
brought to bear upon the several tastes and sus- 
ceptibilities of the people. All, in their turn, are 
pleased and profited. Paul wins some by learned 
argument ; Apollos wins others by the power of his 
eloquence, while other classes are affected and 
saved by their successors, who, though less attrac- 
tive in some respects, are nevertheless able minis- 
ters of the New Testament. Thus, by the blessing 
of God upon the labors of his itinerant servants, 
the work advances with something like uniformity, 
and is not limited to revivals of from five to fif- 
teen years' intermission — the preachers all become 
revivalists, and all ranks in community, from the 
most hopeful subject to the reckless reprobate, are 



22 THE TRUE EVANGELIST. 

modified, if not converted, by the preaching of 
the gospel. 

3. A proper system of itinerancy limits the 
ministry as to time, and thus keeps them more 
closely to the subject matter of their mission. To 
preach to the same congregation for a succession 
of years, one must necessarily take a wide range, 
to avoid sameness, and keep the attention of his 
people. Various subjects will need to be discuss- 
ed, and each amplified with great particularity. It 
will not do to consider theology alone — philosophy, 
natural and intellectual, astronomy, mathematics, 
politics and history, cannot be overlooked. 

Now that these are subjects of great interest, is 
admitted. But that they have any direct tendency 
to awaken and convert sinners to God will not be 
pretended. Though they may attract more atten- 
tion than the doctrines of the cross, they are not 
calculated to subdue the heart. The truths upon 
which Heaven has conferred the distinguished 
honor of accomplishing this wonderful work, are 
few and simple. The being and perfections of 
God, the depravity of man, the atonement made 
by Christ, with its causes, designs, and conse- 
quences, necessary and contingent — repentance, 
holiness, the resurrection of the body, judgment, 
heaven and hell, embrace the substance of them. 
Thus John preached repentance and faith in the 




ITINERANCY EXPEDIENT. 23 

Savior at hand. Jesus opened his ministry by 
proclaiming repentance, as an imperative duty. 
The " twelve " preached the kingdom of heaven 
near, eleven of whom, were commissioned just 
before the ascension, to go into all the world and 
reiterate the story of the cross. Peter and Paul 
preached these soul-stirring truths with the Holy 
Ghost sent down from heaven, and with power. 
And wheresoever salvation has come through 
preaching, whether by itinerants or settled pastors, 
it has come through the preaching of these truths, 
and not by the thousand novelties and abstractions 
of this or any other age. 

Few men have such rare talents, as to be able 
to confine themselves to these topics, and closely 
apply them to the heart and conscience, year after 
year, without incurring the charge of tautology, 
and preaching their hearers to sleep. But by a 
change of gifts, these difficulties are avoided, and 
the interest is kept up. Old truth being presen- 
ted in a new dress, is more attractive and ener- 
getic than ever. Those who rejected it in prose, 
embrace it in poetry, while others, who turned 
from it as infinitely dull and dry in close jointed 
syllogisms, are alarmed when it breaks upon them 
in an avalanche of impassioned eloquence. How 
else can we account for the remarkable success 
of certain ministers called evangelists? Are 



24 THE TRUE EVANGELIST. 

these the brightest lights — the profoundest men 
the world ever saw, or that now live? We do 
them no injustice in saying, that for intellectual 
and literary strength, there are hundreds in the 
land who exceed them. And yet, judging from 
the best data the subject admits, these men, after 
making a fair deduction from their labors for 
spurious converts, accomplish more for the salva- 
tion of men in one month, than some of their 
settled superiors do in a whole life. The fact is, 
they ply their new hearers with these burning 
truths, till they make an impression. They have 
nothing to fear from the charge of sameness, for 
their stay is short. The object is to win souls to 
Christ now, and not merely to keep on good terms 
with the people; and therefore they preach di- 
rectly to the point, and succeed. And if their 
local brethren would show less opposition, and pay 
more respect to the obvious meaning of the com- 
mission under which they act, we believe it 'would 
be better for all concerned. 

4. It has the advantage of a natural love of 
novelty, which pervades the whole race. Whether 
right or wrong, we do love new things. This pas- 
sion is no doubt stronger in some than in others, 
but it is co-existent with humanity. We see it 
every where and in every thing with which our 
predilections are concerned. Even the firmest 



ITINERANCY EXPEDIENT. 25 

advocates of a settled ministry are infected. They 
want new houses, new furniture, new equipage, 
new lawyers, doctors and teachers, and, indeed, 
many of them want New Divinity, and will have 
it. 

Now. since this is the case, and since k is op- 
tional with people to attend upon the preaching 
of the gospel or not, it is desirable to present all 
the attractions possible, to draw them. A new 
preacher is not one of the least. Many who 
would lounge away the Sabbath rather than hear 
an old sermon repeated, or a new one in a famil- 
iar tone and style, might take an interest in hear- 
ing a stranger. It is on this principle that stran- 
gers are sought as speakers in political campaigns, 
and in moral reforms, — and also, that the parish 
congregation is larger when it is known a stranger 
will officiate. The people wish to hear a new 
gift. 

Itinerancy takes the advantage of this feeling, 
afcd charms those to the house of God, who other- 
wise would not come. And many thus attracted 
by curiosity, are awakened, and retire to pra}% 
and not a few instances are recorded of their 
returning home praising God. The church-going 
bell summoned them to the house of prayer, in 
vain. All interest in their worthy pastor's pulpit 
performances was gone. But when it was an- 



26 THE TRUE EVANGELIST. 

nounced a stranger was coming, they were attract* 
ed, converted, and saved. 

5. It is highly conducive to piety, both in the 
ministry and membership. The truths which 
awaken the sinner and induce him to submit his 
heart to Christ, are directly calculated to nourish 
and strengthen devotion in the believer. The 
minister who faithfully explains and enforces them, 
must feel more or less of their divine influence 
upon his # own heart. To be constantly holding 
up Christ from place to place, or preaching faith 
in his name, and the glorious results which follow, 
must inspire him with a holy fervor, especially if 
he succeeds in bringing sinners to repentance. 

Besides, there is great difference in the spirit- 
ual condition of churches. Some are engaged 
and full of enterprise, and they wish their minis- 
ter to be as much, or more so. They, therefore, 
pray for him. The influence of such a society 
upon its minister, is remarkable. It gives him 
more efficiency., and makes him a better man. 

Thus, itinerancy, bringing its various subjects 
within the hallowing influence of the most devo- 
ted churches, becomes a source of spiritual inter- 
est to them, and prepares them to communicate # 
the heavenly inspiration to others. Its tendency 
in this respect, is virtually admitted by its enemies. 
It is a known fact, that when they desire a revival 



ITINERANCY EXPEDIENT. 27 

of religion, they procure the labors of other men 
— of strangers — men, if possible, fresh from a 
revival. The old familiar gift, now that some- 
thing is to be done, is superseded by a new one, 
and this is considered indispensable to success. 

6. An itinerant ministry is less liable to difficul- 
ties with the people. Where a man is settled for 
an indefinite term, it is difficult for the people to 
remove him without contention. They may 
think his usefulness is at an end, but he does not. 
As the, matter is to be decided by a vote, they go 
about to make proselytes to their views, and he, to 
fortify himself as firmly as possible. They talk 
of his faults, and he, of their abuses. Prejudice 
is created on the one side, and sympathy on the 
other, till the parties become fully formed. Then 
comes the crisis — the ballots are cast, and he 
triumphs, But the minority is not satisfied, 
and the contest is not ended. Another campaign 
may come to a different issue. So, on they rush, 
to prepare for a new trial. A settled minister, 
(and an estimable man he is,) informed the writer 
a few years since, that there were six lawsuits then 
pending in his society, some of which he com- 
menced himself. He fought the battle through, 
and remained in town the pastor of the minority. 

Similar scenes have been witnessed in other 
places, where ministers have remained years, amid 



28 THE TRUE EVANGELIST. 

a storm of opposition, which has neutralized their 
influence, and finally left, to escape the violence 
of their enemies. The truth is, the judicial 
records of New England are black with the quar- 
rels of settled pastors and their people. And the 
drama is not yet closed. Many societies are now 
in trouble, and will not probably find peace with- 
out resort to the law. 

These difficulties are generally less, where a 
minister is hired from year to year ; but even in 
this case there is no security. The question is to 
be agitated annually. If there is general satis- 
faction, all will go well ; but if not, there will be 
electioneering on both sides, and enough probably 
of party feeling, to destroy the spirits and influ- 
ence of the preacher ; so that for him to remain 
another year, will be of little advantage, either to 
himself, or his people. 

An itinerant ministry, subject to proper regula- 
tions, escapes these evils. Where a minister is 
stationed for a year or two, at most, and is to be 
removed at the close of this term, any thing like a 
long and bitter contention, is impracticable. And 
the least is impolitic; for though the parties may 
be dissatisfied with each other, the best, and most 
natural remedy of the evil is, to wait patiently 
till the expiration of the term, when a separation 
must take place. It is a pleasing reflection, and 



ITINERANCY EXPEDIENT. 29 

a truth, the language of which cannot be mista- 
ken, that amid all the litigation that has been 
witnessed in the courts of New England, between 
preachers and their people, the Methodist Episco- 
pal Church has been only a spectator. Her first 
suit has not yet been filed ; and such is the nature 
of her arrangements, it is not probable that she 
will soon need the intervention of law, to adjust 
any differences that may occur. Her ministers 
rather depend on the magnanimity and affection 
of their people to support them, than on law ; and 
leave for other scenes, when their usefulness is at 
an end, rather than remain in contention. And 
this we believe to be more in accordance with the 
instruction of the Savior, who said to his apostles, 
" when they persecute you in this city, flee ye to 
another," and it certainly is more becoming a 
minister of the gospel of peace. 

7. It is indispensable to the general spread of 
Christianity . However successful stationary min- 
isters may be in our cities, and more densely set- 
tled portions of the country, they are not adapted 
to meet the exigencies of a sparse population. To 
wait for a call from new and unenlightened parts 
of the country, would be to consign the people to 
everlasting darkness. The ministry that will re- 
generate such members of the human family, must 

go among them uncalled, and travel from town to 
3* 



i 



30 THE TRUE EVANGELIST. 

town, preaching and teaching as Providence may 
direct. If there were no other argument in favor 
of an itinerant ministry, this would be sufficient, 
not only to prove its expediency, but its absolute 
necessity to the objects of preaching in the larger 
part of the world. 

8. The history of itinerancy furnishes one of 
the strongest proofs of its expediency. Rev. B. 
B. Edwards, a Congregationalist, speaking of the 
early history of the Church, says, " The travels 
and ministry of the apostles and other mission- 
aries soon spread Christianity through the Roman 
Empire. Palestine, Syria, Natolia, Greece, the 
islands of the Mediterranean, Italy, and the nor- 
thern coast of Africa, as early as the first century, 
contained numerous societies of Christians. At 
the end of the second century, Christians were to 
be found in all the provinces ; and at the end of 
the third century, almost half of the inhabitants of 
the Roman empire and several neighboring coun- 
tries, professed the faith of Christ." 

Another eminent writer, speaking on the same 
subject, says, " Destitute of all human advantages, 
protected by no authority, assisted by no art, not 
recommended by the reputation of its Author, not 
enforced by eloquence in its advocates, the word 
of God grew mightily and prevailed." 

Coming down to modern times, we find an itin- 



ITINERANCY EXPEDIENT. 3] 

erant ministry not much less efficient than at first. 
When Rev. John Wesley commenced his extraor- 
dinary career, about one hundred years ago, the 
ministry of all denominations was generally settled, 
both in Europe and America. The adoption of 
a circulating ministry, therefore, was among the 
most novel of his arrangements. Taken in con- 
nection with extemporary preaching, it was a dis- 
tinctive feature of the Methodist system, and has 
remained so to the present time. The modern 
history of itenerancy is, therefore, identical with 
that of Wesleyan Methodism, under its various 
modifications. Let us now, therefore, glance at 
-iodism, and see what has been its success. 
Beginning with the British Wesleyan Connec- 
tion, we find that it embraces 16S5 travelling 
preachers, and 468,313 church members. In 
Great Britain and Ireland, there are 501 circuits, 
1313 travelling preachers, and 14,500 local preach- 
ers. The average number of members to each 
circuit is 735, (not including probationers,) and 
to each preacher, 294, thus constituting one half 
of all the dissenting force in those countries. The 
operations of the itinerancy in the Connection may 
be inferred from the following statements, taken 
from an English paper : " The number of sermons 
delivered weekly by the travelling preachers is 
3951, cr 205,452 in a year ; the number by the 



3*? THE TRUE EVANGELIST. 

local preachers is 11,641 weekly, or 605,302 in a 
year. The number of miles travelled by the trav- 
elling preachers in their regular work is 319,092; 
number of miles annually travelled by local preach- 
ers 2,917,418 : total, 3,261,140 miles, a distance 
equal to one hundred and thirty times the circum- 
ference of the globe." 

The magnitude and established character of this 
body is strongly indicated in their numerous peri- 
odicals, literary and theological institutions, but 
especially in their missionary movements. It has 
been well said of them, that the sun goes not 
down upon their work. They have 288 mission 
stations, in different parts of the world, 709 
chapels, and 1156 other preaching places, sup- 
plied by 382 missionaries, and 1206 local preach- 
ers. There are in these stations 102,750 church 
members in full connection, and 4956 on trial. 
There are also 481 Sabbath schools, 42,194 schol- 
ars; 601 day schools, and 34,130 scholars. To 
support these, and extend the work, they collected 
the last year $546,063. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church has been 
organized about sixty years. Its present number 
of travelling preachers is 3262, of local preachers 
4874, and of members 651,191, a membership 
about equal to that of the largest church in this 
country, and collected in about one third of the 



ITINERANCY EXPEDIENT. 33 

time ; and about three times as large as the Cal- 
vinistic Congregationalist Church, which has been 
in operation with every earthly facility for growth, 
for more than two hundred years. It sustains 
missions in Africa, Oregon, and South America, 
where it has 915 church members; and also in 
this country among the destitute white population, 
the Indians and Germans, in all of which, there 
are 12,911 church members, and 139 missionaries. 
The amount raised for missionary purposes the last 
year was 889,528. To this we may add, that they 
sustain seven colleges, and a large number of other 
literary establishments of a high order, and are 
hastening to fill a place in the department of letters 
worthy of their origin. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church South, which 
separated from the Methodist Episcopal Church 
in 1845, embraces 1385 travelling preachers, 
3607 local preachers, and 461,533 church mem- 
bers, all in the slave States. It employs 267 mis- 
sionaries, and collected last year> 868,529 for 
missionary purposes. It has six colleges, and 
numerous other institutions of learning under its 
management, and otherwise contributes to educa- 
tional interests within the territory it occupies. 

The Wesleyan Methodist Church in Canada 
embraces 147 travelling preachers, 81 circuits and 
stations, and 21,940 church members, 



34 THE TRUE EVANGELIST. 

Besides these, there are the Primitive Metho- 
dists, New Connection, Independents, &x., of 
England, numbering in all not less than 100,000 
church members; and the Protestants, and other 
sects of Methodists in this country, embracing 
nearly the same number. All these denomina- 
tions hold to one common faith, and cleave to the 
itinerancy with a degree of tenacity, indicating 
their descent from our illustrious founder under 
God. And when we consider this vast family of 
itinerants, in reference to their youth, the circum- 
stances under which they arose, the opposition 
they have had to meet and overcome, that they 
are spread out over the wide world, that they have 
established colleges, seminaries, periodicals, book 
concerns, and other arrangements suitable to their 
necessities, how can we avoid the conclusion that 
itinerancy has had much to do with their success. 
It cannot be attributed to their doctrines merely, 
for others have preached the same. Nor to their 
literary attainments, for in this respect they are 
frank to acknowledge themselves behind some 
other denominations. Though many of their 
preachers are literary men, and have astonished 
the world by their productions, the mass lay no 
claim to this character. They have, however, been 
grossly misrepresented by certain clerical pretend- 
ers, who have not distinguished themselves for 



ITINERANCY EXPEDIENT. 35 

modesty and good breeding, however profound 
their learning. But some of these have had their 
reward in the mortification of seeing their enlight- 
ened hearers forsake them, to attend upon the 
more tangible and effective ministrations of their 
itinerating neighbors. They may yet learn, that 
ministerial education does not consist in mere 
sheepskin diplomas, and that it is not policy to 
ridicule whom God and his people " delight to 
honor.' ' 

Had Methodists been rich in this world's goods, 
their success might have been attributed to this 
cause ; but like the Savior and his early disciples, 
they have generally been poor. They could not 
appeal to the pride and vanity of the world, by 
erecting splendid churches, and otherwise making 
a great display, if they were disposed. They have 
had to preach in private dwellings, school houses, 
barns, and in the open air, till they could erect 
churches. And many of these, for the want of 
means, have had to be small and often out of place, 
and uninviting. And the world has looked on and 
mocked, and professors of religion have not un- 
frequently joined in the sport. This same cause 
has been an occasion of reproach to preachers, 
who have often had to live in a style directly cal- 
culated to lessen the respect of community for 
them, and also for their enterprise. But God has 



36 THE TRUE EYANGBLIST. 

prospered their work, nevertheless, and their word 
has been with power. Yes, in spite of all these 
disadvantages — in the face of popular scorn — of 
open and violent persecution — of oppressive legis- 
lation, and of a regularly settled ministry, they 
have been able to outstrip all other sects, and to 
stand first in numbers, and in efficiency in con- 
verting sinners to God, which is the principal 
object of ministerial labor, and the proper test of 
ministerial qualifications. 

The following tribute to the Methodist Episco- 
pal Church, before the separation of the Southern 
Conferences, from the pen of Dr. Baird, a Pres- 
byterian, not only shows what itinerancy has done 
in this country, but how, and under what circum- 
stances it has done it : 

" Since its organization in 1784, though not 
without its share of difficulties, its career, upon 
the whole, has been remarkably prosperous, and 
God has enabled it to overcome every hindrance 
with wonderful success. We have seen the 
numerical amount of its numbers sixty years ago 
to be 15,000; in 1843 it was 1,068,525 communi- 
cants. And the probable proportion of the com- 
munity under the influence of this church's min- 
istry, is 5,000,000. Surely we may well exclaim, 
' What hath God wrought !' It covers the whole 
land with its net-work system of stations and cir- 



ITINERANCY EXPEDIENT. 37 

cuits, and carries the gospel into thousands of the 
most remote as well as the most secluded and 
thinly peopled neighborhoods. This denomination 
has made great exertions to increase the number 
of its church edifices within the last few years. 
But its itinerating ministers preach in thousands of 
places where no such buildings are yet erected, or 
at least none belonging to that denomination. In 
these cases they hold their meetings in school- 
houses, court-houses, and private houses. No 
American Christian who takes a comprehensive 
view of the progress of religion in this country, 
and considers how wonderfully the means and in- 
strumentalities employed are adapted to the extent 
and the wants of that country, can hesitate for a 
moment to bless God, for having, in his mercy, pro- 
vided them all. Nor will he fail to recognize in 
the Methodist economy, as well as in the zeal, the 
devoted piety, and the efficiency of its ministry, one 
of the most powerful elements in the religious pros- 
perity of the United States, as well as one of the 
firmest pillars of their civil and political institu- 
tions" 

But this is only a partial view of the success of 
Methodist itinerancy. We must look to the re- 
cords of other churches if we will have any ade- 
quate conception of what it has done. There are 
thousands and tens of thousands among them who 
4 



38 THE TRUE EVANGELIST. 

were awakened and converted through the instru- 
mentality of Methodists. Many things have con- 
tributed to draw them away from their spiritual 
relations, and they have settled down in church 
fellowship with those who never " travailed in 
birth" for them. 

But these churches have been more especially 
benefited by itinerancy in another way. It has 
" provoked" them to love and good works. Their 
ministers are better preachers, better pastors, 
and better Christians — they have more zeal and 
enterprise — preach less error and more truth, and 
otherwise labor more appropriately than when 
Methodism was first introduced among them. 
And their people have improved proportionably. 
Where the family altar was entirely neglected, it 
now smokes with acceptable incense. Where 
there were but two meetings in a week, and those 
on Sunday, in the parish church, there are now 
several, in various places, to accommodate the peo- 
ple. Where there was pride and worldly amuse- 
ment, with little piety and enterprise, there is now 
Christian activity and devotion to God. Such has 
been the effect of itinerancy upon them, that 
churches which feared and trembled at the ap- 
proach of the itinerant, have become firmer, more 
united and spiritual than they ever were before, 
and have reason to bless God for the Providence 



ITINERANCY EXPEDIENT. 39 

which brought so useful an agency among them. 

Had we not succeeded in forming a single 
church, or in doing any other good, the influence 
we have exerted on surrounding denominations, is 
an abundant compensation for all our sacrifices. 
This is a high source of encouragement to feeble 
churches. Though they gain very slowly, if at 
all, they are doing a great work, and should hold 
fast and struggle on in good cheer. But O, what 
a multitude, gathered from all ranks and countries, 
by the sacrifices and sufferings of itinerant men, 
have gone home to heaven ! Many of them were 
as sheep having no shepherd, and many had only 
a hireling shepherd. They were formalists, or 
infidels, or common sinners till they heard the 
voice of the stranger calling them to repentance 
and to God, " warning them day and night with 
tears." Then they were arrested, found peace in 
believing, and have since yielded their spirits to 
God who gave them, with exceeding joy. 

From these considerations, to say nothing of 
others which might be mentioned, an itinerant 
ministry is evidently expedient. He who estab- 
lished it at first, and sent out his apostles " into 
all the world to preach the gospel/' acted, no 
doubt, in the light of infinite intelligence. He 
adopted the best means for the world's conversion. 
And who that locks at this question impartially, 



40 THE TRUE EVANGELIST. 

will not discover substantial reasons for his ac- 
tion? If the world's conversion to God in the 
shortest time possible, were the supreme object of 
all ministers of the gospel, would any settle down 
and confine their exertions to one place ? Impos- 
sible ! When settled ministers wish to accomplish 
much for temperance, missions, moral reform, &c, 
they fly from town to town, and from city to city, 
proclaiming the most pungent truths they have at 
command touching their subject. Ask them why 
they do not settle and advocate their favorite cause, 
and they will think you are joking. Yet such a 
policy is supported by nearly the same arguments 
which are urged in favor of a settled ministry. 

A short extract from a distinguished writer in 
the " Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge ,' ; shall 
conclude this chapter. It is all the more valuable, 
as it comes from one of the settled order, and it 
goes far to substantiate the positions taken in the 
foregoing pages. He says : 

" Notwithstanding the prejudices of mankind, 
and the indiscretions of some individuals, an itin- 
erant teacher is one of the most honorable and 
useful characters to be found upon earth; and 
there needs no other proof than the experience of 
the church in all ages, that, where this work is 
done properly and with perseverance, it forms the 
grand method of spreading wide, and rendering 



ITINERANCY EXPEDIENT. 41 

efficacious, religious knowledge; for great refor- 
mations and revivals of religion have uniformly 
been thus effected; and it has been especially 
sanctioned by the example of Christ and his apos- 
tles, and recommended as the divine method of 
spreading the gospel through the nations of the 
earth." 

4* 



CHAPTER III. 

OBJECTIONS TO AN ITINERANT MINISTRY 
CONSIDERED. 

It is objected to an itinerant ministry, — 
1. That it is unpleasant for a people to part 
with a minister they esteem. This is admitted. 
We dislike to part with friends, and especially 
with those who have been rendered a blessing to 
our souls. Many happy converts have had sad 
experience in this matter, and it has alienated 
them, we fear, from the itinerant ministry for ever. 
But let us examine the objection, and see 
whether it is valid. " It is unpleasant" So it 
is unpleasant to lose a right hand, or a right eye. 
Yet this is sometimes necessary to our health, and 
even life. Many things we least enjoy are indis- 
pensable to our existence. The fact that itiner- 
ancy is sometimes disagreeable to the people, 
therefore, is by no means a sure proof that it is 
not right and expedient. If your minister be 
a great and good man, and his ministrations have 

been sanctified to your conversion and advance- 

42 



OBJECTIONS TO ITINERANCY. 43 

ment in the knowledge of God, is it not selfish- 
ness in you to restrain him from carrying the same 
blessings to others? The reason why you love 
him, and refuse to part with him, is the very 
reason why he should go. God has given him a 
talent to do good. He has expended it upon you, 
and has been successful. He is not your minis- 
ter—he belongs to the icorld. He is an ambassa- 
dor from the court of heaven to a rebellious race. 
His mission is to " all." Will you interrupt his 
course, or, in the spirit of gospel benevolence, 
will you give him your prayers, and bid him God 
speed in saving others ? 

People sometimes love their minister and desire 
his continuance with them, not on account of any 
good he has done, but for reasons of a different 
nature. Perhaps he is eloquent and companion- 
able, and prophesies smooth things. A minister 
of this description generally has many friends, 
though they are not apt to be the most pious. He 
treats his hearers tenderly, and they reciprocate 
the favor, and extol him as a worthy man ; though 
not one is converted, and religion is nearly obso- 
lete. To lose such a minister, will, no doubt, be 
very unpleasant to his people indeed, but is it not 
best he should leave? What will he do if he 
remains? He is perfectly entangled in the net 
they have spread for him, and cannot escape. He 



44 THE TRUE EVANGELIST. 

may sometimes wish to be useful, but has noi 
moral courage to come out, and take the course 
necessary to become so. He needs to go among 
a people of more devotion to God, and a naming 
herald of truth is best fitted for usefulness in the 
place he leaves. Such a change would be mutually 
beneficial, and ought to be made, though it might 
be like the plucking out of a right eye. 

2. It is objected, that it is laborious for minis- 
ters. This will not be denied, and especially 
where the country is new, the roads rough and 
difficult, and the support insufficient to meet the 
actual necessities of life. How much our hon- 
ored fathers suffered in this trying work, we never 
shall know until we see them in their distinguished 
glory. Ease, and worldly gratification, they knew 
not, nor did they seek either. And it is safe to say 
that the itinerant who does, will not long continue 
in the field. 

But laborious as is the work, and unpleasant as 
it is to break up our associations so frequently, 
and form new acquaintances, the itinerancy of the 
Master was much more so. He had not " where 
to lay his head." So was that of the apostles. 
" In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in 
perils of robbers, in perils by the heathen, in perils 
in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in 
the sea, in perils among false brethren ; in weari- 



OBJECTIONS TO ITINERANCY. 45 

ness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hun- 
ger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and naked- 
ness," they pursued their divine mission, and 
died martyrs to their work. And is it becoming 
their successors to talk of ease, and 8 convenience ? 
Those who have entered the ministry at their own 
suggestion, uncalled of God, may do so; but 
shame on our hearts, if we can put such consider- 
ations in opposition to any plan of gathering 
the lost sheep into the fold of Christ. Though 
by this policy we are torn from the graves of 
our fathers, and are compelled to bury our 
wives and little ones among strangers, in different 
and distant parts, it ill becomes us to complain of 
hardship, while we claim Christ for our leader, or 
his apostles for our brethren. 

3. It is objected, that an itinerant minister can- 
not know the circumstances of the people, like one 
settled, and, therefore, cannot adapt his instruc- 
tions to their necessities. In reply to this, it is impor- 
tant to remind the objector, that a system must 
be judged of by its operations and results, and 
not by any single feature, in which it may seem 
to suffer by comparison. If a minister is success- 
ful, it is in vain that we talk of the disadvantages 
of his system. Itinerancy has succeeded beyond 
all precedent. It does to this day. It, therefore, 
is the system for all practical men, though its theo> 
ry were a perfect paradox. 



46 THE TRUE EVANGELIST. 

But to take another view of the subject. We 
allow that the opportunity of an itinerant minister 
is not so favorable for becoming acquainted with 
the circumstances of the people, as that of one 
who is settled.* But it requires only a short time 
for an industrious man to form all the acquaint- 
ance with the largest societies, that is necessary 
to a proper adaptation of his labors. A minister 
does not need to know every thing about his peo- 
ple. There is scarcely less danger of knowing 
too much, than there is of knowing too little. The 
success of the pulpit depends on the illustration 
and enforcement of the fundamentals of Chris- 
tianity. These are adapted to every community, 
of every possible condition. He, therefore, who 
confines his pulpit discourses to these, is always 
appropriate, but never personal. To know more 
of his people — to understand their various notions, 
and petty differences, real and imaginary faults — 
may help him to preach more personally , but not 
more appropriately. But personalities in the pul- 
pit are always impolitic, and out of place. They 
seldom fail to offend, and rarely benefit any one. 
Yet the same truths uttered by a stranger to the 
circumstances, so that the idea of personality can- 
not come into the account, may be useful. When 
the eccentric Lorenzo Dow described the charac- 
ter of one of his hearers, who had defrauded in 



OBJECTIONS TO ITINERANCY. 47 

the matter of measure, she resolved on immediate 
reform, and retired to restore the bottom of her 
half bushel to its proper place. Had she sup- 
posed him to be personal, the result would probably 
have been different. But he was an entire 
stranger and knew nothing of her affairs. 

Too much knowledge of the people, is also 
sometimes very perplexing to a minister. He may 
feel it to be his duty to discourse, for instance, 
upon the subject of temperance ; but happening 
to have particular knowledge of the defects of 
certain of his members in the premises, is embar- 
rassed. To do justice to his subject will offend 
them, and perhaps result in calling a parish meet- 
ing to dismiss him. Here is a difficulty. To de- 
termine what course to take will cost no little 
thought and anxiety. If he knew less about his 
people, he might come directly to the point, with- 
out embarrassment, and without incurring the 
charge of personality. For these reasons, itiner- 
ants have often refused to hear more of a society 
to which they have recently come than what was 
indispensable. They wished to feel no impedi- 
ment to the discharge of their whole duty, and, 
therefore, determined " not to know any thing 
among" the people "save Jesus Christ, and him 
crucified." All ministers might do well to exer- 
cise the same precaution. 



48 THE TRUE EVANGELIST. 

But is it true that itinerant ministers have less 
useful knowledge of the people they serve than 
others 1 We think not. A few months' residence 
in a place is all the time a faithful minister needs 
to inform himself sufficiently for all practical pur- 
poses. 

4. It is objected, that the piety of those who 
profess religion under the labors of itinerants, is 
evanescent and worthless. This is an old objec- 
tion, but has no foundation in fact. Its falsity is 
sufficiently obvious from the avidity with which 
settled pastors receive converts from this quarter, 
to their churches. That some who profess reli- 
gion under the labors of itinerant ministers aposta- 
tize from the faith, is admitted. But that the 
proportion of such converts is larger than is found 
under the stationed ministry, cannot be proved. 
If there are more in number, there are also more 
converted. If many fall away, many also perse- 
vere. 

But it is a lamentable truth to which we can 
but advert in this place, that not a few who make 
shipwreck of their profession, do so by the pros- 
elytism of sectarian relatives, and others, who 
have taken no part in their conversion ; or by the 
cold and faithless treatment they receive from those 
who ought to take them to their arms, as breth- 
ren beloved, and guide them in the way to heaven. 



OBJECTIONS TO ITINERANCY. 49 

5. It is objected, that such a system may impose 
a minister upon a people, icTio is not adapted to 
their wants, and one tluy do not like. This is not 
denied, but it should not be forgotten that it also 
removes him at the end of the first year, or indeed 
before, if good and sufficient reasons can be given 
for so doing ; and that without contention. This 
is an advantage which a well regulated system of 
itinerancy holds over the settled system. 

But it is important to inquire, whether the 
most rigid Congregationalists never have a minis- 
ter they do not esteem ? The truth is, all their 
precaution in settling ministers, does not screen 
them from mistakes. Certificates of competent 
education, and other ministerial qualifications, 
with several trial sermons, the most satisfactory, 
are not sufficient. They often settle men, who, 
after a little better acquaintance, prove themselves 
unadapted to their wants. But it is now too late — 
they have no itinerant arrangement to take them off 
their hands, and must submit, or hazard a difficulty 
among themselves, in attempting to remove them. 

It is a serious question, therefore, whether in 
the matter objected to, the itinerancy has not the 
decided advantage over the independent system. 
We believe it has, and appeal to the operation of 
the two systems, as well as to reason and philoso- 
phy, for our authority. 
5 



CHAPTER IT. 



SOME THINGS NECESSARY TO CONSTITUTE AN ITIN- 
ERANT MINISTRY EFFICIENT. 

The ultimate object of the ministry is to " pre- 
sent every man perfect in Christ Jesus." This 
embraces not only conversion to God, but the 
education and conformity of the whole being to 
his will. Now, for an itinerant ministry to be 
most successful in promoting this object, it seems 
necessary, 

1. That its operations be reduced to some sys- 
tem. Men seldom do better than they determine 
on doing before hand, though they often fall short 
of their firmest resolves. Itinerants who have no 
settled plan of action, if they are faithful, will no 
doubt do some good, but their itinerancy, and the 
good which results from it, are very liable to be 
like the morning cloud. Governed by no system, 
pledged to no plan, they are exposed to various 
temptations they cannot be expected to endure. 
The offer of a fine situation and a good salary, or 

opposition from the settled clergy, which they 

50 



ITINERANCY EFFICIENT. 51 

have to meet single handed, will probably divert 
them from their purpose; but should they have 
grace to withstand these things, and the like, is it 
to be presumed that they will go much into the 
highways and hedges, among " publicans and sin- 
ners/' and seek for souls in the dregs of society ? 
Or, traversing new countries, will they follow the 
emigrant to his rude home, and share the toil of a 
new settlement? Facts are against it. But should 
they, what is to become of those who are con- 
verted through their labors ? Who is to watch 
over, and instruct them in the things of God ? 
Left without a spiritual guide, there is little hope 
of their perseverance. 

An itinerancy, then, to meet all the emergencies 
of the case, needs to be so systematized, as, first, 
to pledge the ministers to occupy that part of the 
field where their services are most needed, and to 
change, as circumstances may require. Secondly, 
to pledge the people to receive and sustain such 
ministers as may come to them, for the length of 
time which may be thought most for the interest 
of the whole work. And thirdly, as to lodge the 
executive supervision and direction of it in such 
hands as may be at once safe and effective. 

2. The second thing necessary, therefore, is, 
that ministers relinquish the right to choose their 
places of labor. The best of ministers are but 



52 THE TRUE EVANGELIST. 

men. That they have the abstract right to deter- 
mine in what part of the world they will preach, 
is admitted. And that it is perfectly natural for 
them, in the exercise of this right, to choose 
places of comparative ease, safety and conven- 
ience, will not be denied. Nor that such places 
are generally occupied before others, less agree- 
able and often more encouraging to Christian en 
terprise. This is a fact which cannot be success- 
fully questioned. And as such places afford facil- 
ities for usefulness as well as others, it is not un- 
charitable to conclude that they will have the 
best talents in the market, irrespective of the 
necessities of other places. Any thing like an 
efficient itinerancy, therefore, is utterly imprac- 
ticable while each minister retains the right to 
make his own contracts, and preach where he 
pleases. 

But here is a difficulty. Every principle of 
selfishness is opposed to the sacrifice. Every 
feeling of the natural man remonstrates against it. 
Pride, avarice, ambition, ease, and the fear of 
man forbid it. And nothing but the grace of 
God renewing the whole heart, and begetting a 
benevolence which seeks the salvation of men at 
the hazard of every earthly advantage, will enable 
ministers thus to surrender themselves, and espe- 
cially, ministers of any considerable talent and 



ITINERANCY EFFICIENT. 53 

education. It is easier than to go to the cross, or 
the stake, certainly, but to abandon opulence, 
home, and many other pleasures, and venture out 
like Abram, not knowing whither we are going, 
with the strong liability of suffering the loss of all 
things, requires a moral heroism of no ordinary 
grade. But till men are prepared for this, they 
are not promising candidates for the work. 

3. It is equally necessary that the people relin- 
quish the right to choose their minister. While they 
retain this, it is reasonable to suppose that they 
will use all honorable means to procure a minister 
of talent, and retain him indefinitely, without ref- 
erence to his adaptation to any other place. They 
are to provide for themselves* Selfishness requires 
the best there is to be obtained. If others need a 
minister, they will look out for one. Now, by the 
operation of this spirit, (and where is the society 
entirely free from it ?) who does not see that a cir- 
culation of ministerial talent, beyond occasional 
exchanges, is utterly precluded ? Talent will be 
distributed accordiug to the dictates of selfish- 
ness, rather than the interests of the cause, and 
will change only at the demand of the same prin- 
ciple. 

To relinquish the right to choose its minister, a 
society of wealth and pleasant locality has a cross 
to bear, a sacrifice to make, even the sacrifice of 
5* 



54 THE TRUE EVANGELIST. 

its selfishness. It has to give up what might seem 
its individual interests, for the good of the whole ; 
and instead of holding Apollos permanently, to 
hold him only a small proportion of the time, and 
thus give others an opportunity to enjoy the 
benefit of his efficiency. It is not, therefore, 
remarkable that so few submit to itinerancy, con- 
sidering that the moral feeling of the natural 
heart is against it. 

4. The preachers having relinquished the right 
to choose their field of labor, and the people on 
their part to choose their preachers, it is neces- 
sary that the authority to provide for both be 
vested in one or more persons, who shall survey the 
whole field, study the qualifications, circum- 
stances and wishes of the preachers, the condition, 
tastes and desires of the people, and then make 
such distribution of the various talents submitted, 
as may be most for the glory of God, and the 
benefit of all concerned. How many individuals 
should compose this body, or from what depart- 
ment of society they should be selected, admits of 
an honest difference of opinion. All, however, will 
agree, that it should be composed of men who are 
interested in the general cause, and who make 
great personal sacrifices for its promotion. Per- 
sons of a different mind and habit, could nof be 
expected to investigate the matter sufficiently, to 



ITINERANCY EFFICIENT. 55 

make judicious appointments ; and would lack an 
example of self-denial, which would be necessary 
to their influence and success in stimulating and 
inspiring the whole body, under the trials incident 
to the enterprise. They should not only be wise 
to command, but brave and energetic to share the 
labor and sacrifice of the cause. Like a valiant 
general, to thrust themselves into the hottest of 
the battle, hazarding all for the victory. 

They should, secondly, be placed in circum- 
stances of the greatest possible security from party 
bias. It would seem desirable, that they belong to 
neither party, and yet be capable of entering fully 
into the interests of both. If they be preachers to 
be stationed, it is impossible that selfishness should 
not tempt them in relation to their own appoint- 
ments. If hearers, they will no doubt feel a 
stronger interest in their own, and neighboring 
societies than in any other. This is reasonable. 
Indeed it would not be possible to avoid it. To 
make them dependent upon individual contribu- 
tions for their support, would be to tempt them to 
favor the rich of both parties from selfish consid- 
erations. They should, therefore, be supported in 
another way, if possible. This will prevent the 
temptation and remove all ground of suspicion 
arising from its existence. They ought also to 
be holden strictly amenable for their conduct, o 



t>0 THE TRUE EVANGELIST. 

they may become indifferent to their high respon- 
sibilities, and even trespass upon the rights of their 
constituents. Besides, to get the information 
necessary to a sound judgment, and maintain a 
proper sympathy with the parties concerned, they 
need to travel through the whole territory em- 
braced in the plan, and inquire into every part of 
the work. 

Good men, men of God, who feel a holy interest 
in the salvation of souls, and love their brethren, 
thus guarded against all the evil passions and pro- 
pensities of humanity, and acquainting themselves 
with the various talents in the ministry, and the 
circumstances of the people, can certainly judge 
better what is for the good of the cause in regard 
to the appointments, than the parties themselves, 
who are necessarily blinded by individual interests 
and limited views of all the facts in the case. This 
cannot be questioned for a moment. The parties 
may know what will please them most, and may 
even dispose of themselves profitably, so that the 
preacher shall not preach in vain, nor the people 
hear in vain. This is all well. But while the 
talented minister and the wealthy church are 
pleasing themselves, they may be enjoying less 
profit than would fall to their lot under a more 
benevolent arrangement ; and others who are less 
fortunate, are actually suffering. Hence, high 



ITINERANCY EFFICIENT. 57 

Christian magnanimity requires, that the parties 
make common stock of themselves, and submit to 
whatever sacrifice may be necessary for the gen- 
eral good of the cause. Till they do this, and put 
their destiny, as we have suggested, out of their 
own hands, it is impossible to establish a per* 
manent itinerancy, or any other arrangement, 
which will meet the exigencies of the world. Sel- 
fishness forbids it. But when we all throw our- 
selves into the work, like men in battle, ready to 
serve or be served in any part of the field, the 
desert shall blossom as the rose, the highways 
and hedges shall rejoice, " the poor have the gos- 
pel preached to them," and the disgraceful barter 
in clerical stocks come to an end. 

5. To give successful operation to a system 
thus organized, it is important that preachers go 
to the respective places assigned them cheerfully. 
For them to feel oppressed and dissatisfied, be- 
cause they have not an easier, or more eligible 
appointment, will cripple their energies, and de- 
stroy their influence, and particularly, if they go 
complaining. The people naturally infer that 
they think themselves too good for them, that they 
are looking more for the fleece than the flock, and 
more for ease than success. A complaining spirit 
is more disastrous to an itinerant's success than 
poverty or persecution. It ruins himself, first of 



58 THE TRUE EVANGELIST. 

all, and then spreads a deadly infection through 
the whole community, blasting every good feeling 
and fair prospect, and shutting down the horizon 
in utter darkness around him. 

To such a spirit, all are more or less liable. 
But we apprehend it will not be very troublesome 
to those who enter the itinerancy to do good, and 
who feel it an infinite honor to preach Jesus even 
to the poor. Men who take an appointment as the 
noble Athenian accepted an insignificant office, 
not for the honor of it, but to honor it, — not be- 
cause it is a wealthy, or intelligent, or agreeable 
one, but to make it such, will feel thankful, rather 
than depressed and afflicted, that he has so good a 
place. The honor of the ministry is not in being 
appointed, or called to flourishing churches, but 
in making them. What matters it, how honorable 
the place is, where a minister preaches, if he does 
nothing for God? or how poor and despicable, if 
he wins souls to Christ ? God will honor his ser- 
vants, not according to the stations they have oc- 
cupied, but according to the work they have done, 
and the sacrifices made. The man who comes 
from obscurity with his little retinue of souls, 
plucked from the teeth of the " roaring lion " in 
the mountains and deserts, will receive double 
honor. He is worthy of it. It has cost him 
something to be a minister of Christ. He has not 



ITINERANCY EFFICIENT. 59 

rolled in luxury, and enjoyed the hoz annas of the 
multitude, — but has " suffered with Christ." He 
shall have his reward. 

We say again, the itinerant must go to his work 
cheerfully, and make himself at home. This will 
create a corresponding feeling among his people, 
and open the way for success. 

6. The people, on their part, should receive 
their preachers cordially, as though they had 
called them. Some ministers are prepared consti- 
tutionally, and by grace, to succeed under almost 
any treatment. They depend very little on sym- 
pathy. They are feared and reverenced at 
first sight, and their word is with power. But 
there are comparatively few of this descrip- 
tion. The mass are less courageous, and more 
dependent on the smiles and co-operation of their 
brethren. To meet with a cold reception, dispirits 
and unmans them, and they long for a more con- 
genial situation. 

Societies which have practised a little reserve 
at first, as a matter of policy, cannot fully estimate 
the injury they have done to the feelings of their 
preachers, and to their own cause. However 
proper such a course may be in regard to suspi* 
cious strangers, it is most radically injurious in the 
case under consideration. It throws the most 
effectual barrier in the way of success that can 



60 THE TRUE EVANGELIST. 

well be conceived. They ought to meet the man 
with a smile, and welcome him to their hearts and 
homes in the name of the Lord. No matter if 
they did expect another man ; nor, that this man 
is not exactly what they could wish. They should 
receive him cordially, and make the most of him 
while he remains. If he be an inferior man, he 
certainly can do no good while under the frowns of 
the church, and if not, his influence will be greatly 
diminished. After all, if it be found that a mistake 
has been made, and the man is ill adapted to the 
place, the matter can be remedied in a constitu- 
tional, and pleasant way, much easier than if he 
had been treated coldly in the outset. It is to be 
hoped that all societies connected with the itiner- 
ancy, will bear this in mind. It will save them 
from many evils, and ensure success even where 
they expect a failure. 

7. Finally, fervent, profoun d piety is indispen- 
sable to such a system. Being fraught with tre- 
mendous responsibility, sacrifice and labor, on all 
sides, it seems impossible that either party should 
adopt it with the intention of submitting to its 
regulations, but from the sublimest and purest 
considerations. And how can they be sustained 
in the actual experience of such sacrifices, sur- 
rounded by systems more attractive to the natural 
man, and pressed with urgent calls to accept lib- 



ITINERANCY EFFICIENT. 61 

eral salaries and popular societies, but by the same 
exalted principles. It is only when ministers are 
dead unto the world, and alive unto Christ, that 
they are equal to the task. Then they can say 
with the celebrated itinerant to the Gentiles, 
" Those things which were gain to me, I counted 
loss for Christ. Yea, doubtless, and I count all 
things but loss, for the excellency of the knowl- 
edge of Christ Jesus my Lord ; for whom I suffer 
the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, 
that I may win Christ, and be found in him, having 
the righteousness which is of God by faith/' 

One, thus consecrated to Christ, is prepared 
for the itinerancy, irrespective of the country or 
the fare, so that he may " finish his course with 
joy." He can adopt the expressive language of 
our illustrious poet, and sing, as he traverses the 
rugged paths of a self-sacrificing itinerancy : 

" The love of Christ doth me constrain, 
To seek the wandering souls of men ; 
With cries, entreaties, tears, to save, 
And snatch them from the gaping grave. 

For this let men revile my name, 
No cross I shun, I fear no shame ; 
All hail reproach, and welcome pain, 
Only thy terrors, Lord, restrain. 

My life, my blood, I here present, 
If for thy truth they may be spent ; 
6 



62 THE TRUE EVANGELIST. 

Fulfil thy sovereign counsel, Lord, 
Thy will be done, thy name adored. 
Give me thy strength, O God of power ! 
Then let winds blow, or thunders roar, 
Thy faithful witness will I be ; 
' Tis fixed ; I can do all through thee." 

Ministers of such a spirit are the men for this 
work. Their boast is not of personal accom- 
plishments, not of popular applause, not of tempt- 
ing calls to settlement, not of flattering titles, nor 
of petitions, and lucrative appointments. No, 
they boast that their " sufficiency is of God, who 
hath made them ministers of the New Testa- 
ment " — and that they are called to the distin- 
guished honor of being " ambassadors for Christ," 
and of sharing with him in the privations, labors, 
and dangers of subduing an alien world to God. 
If dissuaded from their daring purposes of aggres- 
sion upon the strong holds of Satan, by the tears 
and entreaties of sympathizing friends, their 
prompt reply is, " What mean ye to weep and to 
break my heart ? for I am ready not to be bound 
only, but also to die for the name of the Lord 

Jesus." 

" Shall I, for fear of feeble man, 
The Spirit's course in me restrain ? 

7P vP tF Tp ?F 

Awed by a mortal's frown, shall I 
Conceal the word of God, Most High ? 



ITINERANCY EFFICIENT. 63 

How then before Him shall I dare 
To stand, or how his anger bear?" 

Were all ministers deeply imbued with this 
heavenly principle, we should probably hear less 
lectures against an itinerant ministry, and less 
complaints of its hardships. And is it at all 
likely that there would be as frequent changes in 
the theological views and denominational relations 
of itinerants as there have been 1 Is it this which 
leads men to locate for filthy lucre — or to settle 
themselves down on one little spot in this great 
" world," upon a permanent salary ? Is it in their 
burning and shining moments, that they take 
this course? — when they feci, "wo is me if I 
preach not the gospel ? " 

This spirit is also necessary for the people. 
When it declines, they will begin to desire to be 
like the " nations around them." They will 
want their oicn minister. They will wish to call 
him 7 and bargain with him, in other words, to be- 
come Congregationalists. We do not say that 
no Congregationalists have this spirit. Our 
remark is, that those who are connected with an 
itinerancy which looks at the general good of the 
cause of God, and sacrifices individual interests 
for that object, will become restricted in their 
feelings and plans, in proportion as they lose this 



64 THE TRUE EVANGELIST. 

spirit, and hanker after a more selfish and popular 
economy. They will not be willing that the min- 
istry shall be distributed as the real interests of 
the people require. If they are able, they will 
desire to buy up the best man in the Connection, 
and appropriate him to their own exclusive use. 
They will not be willing to pay their money to 
build meeting houses, and support preachers, and 
run their chance with poor societies of having 
first, second or third class ministers. They will 
pay, but then they want their choice in the men. 
But let them feel the benevolence which " seek- 
eth not her own/' and " is not puffed up," but is 
" hind, and endureth all things " for the sake of 
Christ, and they will glory in being connected 
with such a system of sacrifice, that has God for 
its author, and the salvation of the world for its 
aim 



CHAPTER V. 



THE SYSTEM OF ITINERANCY IN THE METHODIST 
EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

Haying stated some things, necessary to con- 
stitute an itinerant ministry efficient, we will now 
proceed to consider the itinerancy of the Metho- 
dist Episcopal Church. In all essential points, it 
is the same as that adopted by Mr. Wesley, and 
which formed a distinctive feature in his system 
of operations. He was emphatically the father of 
it, and it is a brighter monument of his greatness 
than it is in the power of architecture to con- 
struct. The celebrated Dr. Witherspoon once 
remarked, that "he needed no other evidence that 
the Rev. John Wesley was a great man, than 
what the system of itinerating preaching presen- 
ted to his mind, and of which that wonderful man 
was the author." Dr. Baird says the remark 
"was a just one," and adds, " It is a system of 
vast importance in every point of view, capable 
of being made to send its ramifications into almost 
every corner of the country, and to carry the glad 
6* 65 



66 THE TRUE EVANGELIST. 

tidings of salvation into the most remote and se- 
cluded settlements, as well as to the more accessi- 
ble and populous towns and neighborhoods. Thus 
the gospel is carried into thousands of remote 
spots, in which it never would be preached upon 
the plan of having a permanent clergy." 

Other distinguished gentlemen of liberal senti- 
ments and feelings, have bestowed similar enco- 
miums upon this system, but its best defence is 
found in its intrinsic character and luminous his- 
tory. It only needs to be understood to be ad- 
mired. A cursory glance is not sufficient. It 
must be examined in all its parts, in their connec- 
tion. It is an easy matter to say, that this is un- 
necessary, and that is an incumberance, but such 
remarks generally betray ignorance of the sys- 
tem. 

The itinerancy of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, whatever its specific character, is provi- 
dential Mr. Wesley, first of all, became an itin- 
erant himself, and afterward, being earnestly soli- 
cited, took others under his watch-care and direc- 
tion. As the work increased, both in Europe and 
America, and the number of his followers multi- 
plied, the itinerancy became more and more sys- 
tematized, till it grew up to its present order. 
Observe, it originated not with the people, or by 
their call, but with the ministry, for the purpose 



METHODIST ITINERANCY. 67 

of calling the people to Christ, and guiding them 
in the way to heaven. This explains how our 
conferences happen to be composed exclusively 
of itinerant ministers. The object of the first 
conference was to consult in regard to carrying 
on the work of God — to determine what they, the 
itinerants, would do. Others might have been 
good advisers, but reason dictates that those who 
do the work should determine how, and where 
they will do it. This the itinerant preachers have 
ever done — in other words, they have governed 
themselves. And varying their plans of operation 
to meet the emergencies of the cause, they have 
kept pace with the times, and increased both in 
numbers and influence. 

In 1784, Mr. Wesley, in compliance with the 
earnest solicitations of preachers and people in 
this country, ordained Dr. Coke superintendent. 
He appointed Francis Asbury joint superintendent. 
In the month of September, Dr. Coke arrived at 
New York with his credentials of ordination. On 
the 25th of December following, a conference of 
the travelling preachers was convened at Balti- 
more. Sixty of the eighty-three preachers, then 
in the travelling connection, were present. Dr. 
Coke presided, assisted by Mr. Asbury. The first 
business done, was to choose Dr. Coke and Mr. 
Asbury general superintendents or bishops, thus 



68 THE TRUE EVANGELIST. 

confirming the appointment of Mr. Wesley. It 
was at this conference, that our Church took its 
present name and form of itinerancy. Various 
modifications have indeed been made, but not to 
alter the essential character of the system. Thus 
much historically may not be amiss, especially 
with certain " complainers." Attention to these 
few facts will the better prepare them to appre- 
ciate an economy which they are wont to dispar- 
age. 

We will now glance at our itinerancy as it is, 
remarking upon the several branches of it as we 
pass. 

1. The power of appointing the preachers to their 
fields of labor, lies with our general superinten- 
dents, who are required " to travel through the 
connection at large, and oversee the temporal and 
spiritual business of our church." These duties 
have an intimate connection, and both together 
form an amount of responsibility and labor beyond 
the capacity of ordinary minds. To make the 
appointments judiciously, it is necessary for the 
superintendents to know the men, and to know 
something of the character, circumstances and 
wants of the people. And how can they have 
this knowledge but by travelling, meeting the 
preachers in conference, and acquainting them- 
selves with the situation of the churches? It is 



METHODIST ITINERANCY. 69 

impossible. And if it were not, there would be 
important reasons for their general circulation. 
The submission of the preachers to the arrange- 
ment is voluntary. They cannot be driven, though 
they may be led. A lordly, idle bishop could do 
nothing with them ; while one who is himself 
" more abundant in labors " and self-denials, will 
find them submissive even to martyrdom. In such 
an one, they have both a noble examplar and a 
sympathizing friend — an indomitable leader and a 
Christian brother. 

By having a general charge, and travelling 
" through the connection" they feel a general in- 
terest, without those local partialities which blind 
and warp the judgment. And being provided for 
from general resources, they are comparatively 
incapable of being bribed, or unduly influenced 
by pecuniary considerations. And to bind them 
still firmer to the discharge of their high trust, 
their official conduct is carefully recorded by those 
over whom tfyey preside, and they are holden to a 
strict account for every part of it, as well as for 
their more private deportment. 

Under these arrangements, our episcopacy has 
thus far succeeded to admiration. Though indi- 
viduals have complained, we believe it has the 
hearty confidence and approval of ninety-nine 
hundredths of our numerous societies. And not 



70 THE TRUE EVANGELIST. 

the less so for the fruitless experiments which 
have been made upon it by seceding factions. 
Nevertheless, it has strong opposers. Coming in 
collision with hoary systems, and at times with 
the ease and convenience of individuals and so- 
cieties, it has been attacked from various directions, 
to suit the taste of the assailant. 

The warmest opposition, however, comes from 
old friends and coadjutors in the itinerant work. 
Having " gone out from us " in one way or anoth- 
er, and for reasons which it is not now necessary 
to consider, they have set themselves at work, as 
if by compact, to overthrow the system. It is 
needless to record all their movements. But 
while we are speaking of bishops, it may be proper 
to say that these reformers are against them toto 
ccbIo. They propose that we annually elect a 
President and a stationing committee, as a substi- 
tute, in the style of our English brethren. But 
this will not do. It works hard, indeed, with 
them, but it is still less adapted to us. 

However it might do, were New England alone 
involved in the matter, and had we but one con- 
ference, and that a corporate body, bound by 
charter to such an arrangement, it is not at all 
appropriate to our circumstances. We are spread 
over a vast territory, divided into many conferen- 
ces, and yet have one common interest, which it 



METHODIST ITINERANCY. 71 

is infinitely important to maintain, but which can- 
not long survive the ruin of a common superin- 
tendency. Without multiplying words upon the 
question of bishops or no bishops, we will simply 
remark, that our reformers have probably learned 
that their plan appears better on paper and in elo- 
quent speech, than in actual operation. If they 
have not, it will avail little to debate the question 
with them. 

In regard to the 'power of the bishops, our old 
friends object with much emphasis. They cannot 
away with it, though they have clean escaped its 
influence. May they long live to be more happy 
and useful than when in the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. 

That our bishops have power vested in them, is 
admitted. Not so much, however, as formerly, it 
not being necessary in the present state of the 
work ; and not half what is attributed to them by . 
our opponents. It is often said, that they own 
our churches, and may sell or shut them at plea- 
sure, than which, nothing is more false. In this 
respect they stand exactly on a par with all others. 
They own just what they have purchased, 
and paid for, and no more. And that they have 
acquired the ownership of so much as a single pew t 
we have yet to learn. We hope that when 
our opponents find it necessary to issue a new edi- 



72 THE TRUE EVANGELIST. 

tion of this injurious charge, they will furnish the 
evidence upon which it is based. 

Nor have they power to expel members from 
the church, as has been falsely reported. Why 
will not our brethren have the candor to examine 
the discipline upon these points ? We fear they 
do not wish to know the truth. But the work of 
our bishops is important. It is to superintend the 
affairs of the church, and direct the preachers to 
their respective fields of labor, so as to keep them 
in efficient circulation through the whole country. 
Besides, it devolves on them to preside in the 
conferences, and ordain such persons to the office 
of the ministry as the conferences may elect. 
This is about the general sum of their duties, and 
to do this they are fully empowered by the body 
which appointed them. And is this giving them 
too much power ? An officer without authority to 
execute the duties of his office, is a nullity. It is 
the power he receives that constitutes the office. 
The feature in the power of our bishops which 
gives most offence, is that by which they appoint 
the preachers. And yet it is to this that many 
of our societies owe their existence. 

They have been raised up and sustained by 
men of talents they never would have seen, but for 
this very power. And many are now sustained, 
which, were they to reject it, would not survive 



METHODIST ITINERANCY. 46 

three years. If any doubt, let them consult the 
history of those who have repudiated the episco- 
pacy within the last twenty years, and they will 
need nothing farther. 

To the question whether this power may not be 
abused, we answer, it certainly may ; though we 
believe power is seldom better guarded. This is 
a risk which is run in all cases of office and 
agency, both in church and state, and cannot be 
avoided. The President of the United States is 
possessed of very large power to use for the public 
good, but he may pervert it to a very wicked pur- 
pose. Take it away, and he becomes a man of 
Straw, so far as his office is concerned. It is the 
power that makes the President. And so it is 
with our supreme judges, and other national offi- 
cers. There is a liability to abuse, but it must be 
submitted to, or the office abandoned. 

In estimating the danger of the power vested in 
our superintendents, it should be taken into the 
account, that while there is piety in the ministry, 
the wisest and best of men will be selected for the 
office, — men who have a deep interest in the 
welfare of the whole church, and therefore indis- 
posed to abuse their power. Secondly, that they 
receive most of the information upon which they 
act, from the presiding elders, with whose counsel 
and advice the appointments are made. Thirdly, 



74 THE TRUE EVANGELIST. 

that there can be no motive to induce them to 
abuse their power. And fourthly , that their whole 
administration is under the eye of the church, to 
the itinerant ministry of which, they are strictly 
amenable, and by which they may be displaced 
from office, and even expelled from the church. 
If more is necessary to induce confidence, we 
may add, they have exercised the power they 
now possess, for many years, with the greatest 
safety, and the happiest results. Where, then, is 
the danger ? With whom, or how could the power 
to station the preachers, be better, or more safely 
lodged ? To restore it to preachers, and people, 
and leave them to make their own selections, 
w 7 ould end the itinerancy, and constitute us Con- 
gregationalists. To vest it in a committee, to be 
composed of ministers or laymen, or an equal 
number of each, would be impolitic. First, be- 
cause being parties personally concerned, how- 
ever disposed to act discreetly, selfishness would 
unavoidably affect their decisions. At all events, 
it would be supposed to, by those who might be 
displeased with their appointments, and broils and 
dissentions would not fail to ensue. Secondly, it 
would be impossible for such a committee to obtain 
the information necessary to make the appoint- 
ments appropriately. They might receive peti- 
tions and representations, but those are often ex- 



METHODIST ITINERANCY. 



parte, and therefore not to be relied on. They 
would need the counsel of an impartial and dis- 
criminating brother, who had himself visited the 
societies and studied their condition, and made 
himself acquainted with the qualifications of the 
preachers. 

We sometimes hear it objected to this system, 
that the people have no voice in the appointments. 
If this means that they cannot choose their own 
preachers, it is true. But in this respect they 
stand exactly on a par with the preachers. If it 
means precisely as its language imports, it is not. 
true, as will hereafter appear. But should an of- 
fensive appointment be made, there is a remedy. 
First, a change may be asked, and if the request 
can be supported by good reasons, it will, no 
doubt, be granted. But, secondly, should it not 
be, and still a majority of the society desire it, 
they may withhold the preacher's support. This 
is their security, and it is enough. As a distin- 
guished seceder remarked, " let the people hold 
their purse-strings, and they have nothing to fear 
from the clergy." They have ever held them with 
us, and we rejoice in it. It is safe for them, and 
we can live by it, if faithful to God. 

2. Perhaps this is the proper place to bring into 
more particular view another agency which legiti- 
mately belongs to the system — I mean the pre- 



76 THE TRUE EVANGELIST. 

siding eldership. It is a question with many 
whether this office is necessary. And it has even 
been proposed to dispense with it, or so to modify 
it, as to destroy its identity. The matter, how- 
ever, has not been much discussed. All, we be- 
lieve, would be glad to abandon it, if it could be 
done without damage to the system ; at least, we 
see no reason why they should not. It is not, cer- 
tainly, a very agreeable office, at present, nor is it 
at all lucrative ; and as to the duties and respon- 
sibilities of it, they are second only to those of 
the episcopacy. 

Speaking of our church as though it had not 
been rent in twain, it extends over this whole 
country, states, territories, Texas, and all. Our 
bishops are seven in number. They have to 
attend tliirty-nine annual conferences, some of 
which are separated from each other by thou- 
sands of miles, and to assign from four to Jive 
thousand preachers their places of labor. Now, a 
moment's reflection will show, that seven men, 
however effective, cannot possibly exercise a very 
particular supervision over so many ministers, 
and members, spread over so much territory. If 
it be possible for them to see all the preachers, 
they can visit but very few of the societies. And 
to form a personal acquaintance, so as to make in- 
telligent appointments, is utterly out of the ques- 
tion, — they cannot do it. 



METHODIST ITINERANCY. 77 

To supply this lack of service, the several con- 
ferences are divided into districts, embracing from 
twelve to fifty societies, upon each of which an 
elder is placed, who is to exercise about the same 
oversight in the absence of a bishop, he would 
exercise if he were present. The duties of the 
presiding elder are matters of distinct record, and 
need no explanation. By travelling through his 
district once a quarter, he becomes familiar with 
all the preachers, their habits, health, qualifica- 
tions, peculiarities and usefulness, and their re- 
ception among the people. Holding a quarterly 
conference with the official members of each so- 
ciety, and mingling with the private members as 
he necessarily does in love-feasts, and other asso- 
ciations, he becomes acquainted with their cir- 
cumstances and wants. In the exercise of a gen- 
eral supervision in his district, he is often found 
consulting with the stewards about the support of 
their preachers, — examining the leaders, instruct- 
ing, exhorting, advising and reproving the preach- 
ers, and sometimes changing them ; examining 
candidates for the ministry, writing licenses, 
deeds and contracts for meeting-houses ; hearing 
complaints, and trying appeals, &c, indeed, 
doing every thing necessary to give greater 
efficiency to the work. It is his duty to sur- 
vey every part of the field assigned him, — to 



78 THE TRUE EVANGELIST. 

know all that is going, and see that all goes 
right. 

By pursuing this course, when he meets the 
bishop at the annual conference he is prepared to 
represent both preachers and people, and to give 
an impartial and enlightened judgment in regard 
to the appointments. By the aid of presiding 
elders of mature piety and discrimination, who 
devote themselves to their peculiar work, the 
bishops are enabled so to distribute the various 
talents of the ministry, as to please and profit all 
parties. Errors sometimes occur, of course, and 
they will, while " to err is human." But to judge 
of the plan by these errors would be unfair, and 
contrary to established principles. By this rule, 
nothing short of absolute perfection could abide. 
All we ask is, that the plan be judged of by its gen- 
eral principles and operations, and we will submit. 

To make the appointments without this amount 
of knowledge, is impossible. And to procure the 
knowledge in a cheaper, and less exceptionable 
way, is, to say the least, very difficult. If we were 
to multiply our superintendents, so that they 
might visit the societies themselves, we might in 
this way get the knowledge, but it would not 
lessen the expense, or save men for the stations. 
We are not aware that this is seriously thought of. 

To give the oversight of several societies to a 



METHODIST ITINERANCY. 79 

stationed preacher, and let him perform the double 
duty of pastor and chairman of a district, has 
been proposed, and it is about the only substitute 
for the presiding eldership which is urged with 
any confidence. But this cannot work among us 
at present. The time may come when it will, 
but, " it is not yet." A few suggestions will be 
sufficient to show the impracticability of the 
change. 

In the first place, it must be remembered, that 
in many parts of our work there are not half a 
dozen societies within fifty miles of any one 
point. And to put twice that number under the 
care of a pastor any where, except in our cities 
and larger towns, would impose on him the neces- 
sity of considerable travelling and much absence 
from home. Now, what society would wish a 
pastor, who would have such responsibilities 
abroad 1 Would our larger stations be willing to 
be supplied with local preachers, and young and 
inexperienced itinerants, while their pastor should 
be away, attending to his district duties, admin- 
istering the sacrament, the ordinance of baptism, 
&,c. ? Or, would they be willing to have him 
absent during the week, as he must necessarily be 
more or less ? ~We have no hesitancy in saying, 
that it would not be endured with patience. The 
case is very different between New England and 



80 THE TRUE EVANGELIST. 

Old England, and, indeed, between this country 
and most other parts of the world. But suppose 
the people were willing to submit, how would the 
preachers enjoy it? How many would be willing 
to do the duties of a presiding elder in some dozen 
appointments ? There are few, we apprehend, who 
would dare to undertake it. But the greatest dif- 
ficulty would be, after all, in making out the ap- 
pointments. The " chairmen " must be the 
bishop's counsel, and represent the preachers and 
people of their respective districts. Of course 
they would have to represent themselves, their 
own wishes and feelings, as they are to be sta- 
tioned, as well as others. Now, it would be very 
unnatural for them not to feel a little extra inter- 
est in their own cases, — very. At all events, 
they would be suspected, and if they should not 
receive a full share of the inferior appointments, 
there would be rebellion among the preachers at 
once. And if they should happen to fall among 
people who are not pleased with them, they could 
not avoid the suspicion of having procured their 
own appointment. The experiment, we appre- 
hend, would be any thing but pleasant, and it 
would not be remarkable if both preachers and 
people should wish to return to the presiding 
eldership, which entirely excludes selfishness from 
the cabinet. 



METHODIST ITINERANCY. 81 

If anv ask why this plan may not work here as 
well as in England, I reply, 1. That in England 
the whole work lies within a very narrow compass, 
and is therefore accessible and manageable as 
ours is not, and cannot be. They have one con- 
ference only, embracing the itinerant talent of 
the entire Connection. 2. Their chairmen are 
not necessarily connected with their appointing 
committee. 3. There is not the difference in 
their appointments which exists among us. Our 
appointments pay a minister from fifty dollars, to 
one thousand dollars. And the same difference 
exists in regard to the locality of the appointments, 
stretching all the way along from the Atlantic 
Ocean to the Rocky Mountains. Some are easy 
of access, and very agreeable, while others are 
extremely different. By consequence, it is a 
matter of great interest to a minister where he 
goes, and especially one with a family. But in 
England distance is hardly an item of thought, 
roads and conveyances nearly perfect, no furniture 
to move, it being furnished by each circuit, good 
help provided, and the disciplinary allowance, 
which is ample, paid to the last farthing, whether 
the society be rich or poor, great or small. The 
only choice, therefore, among healthy men, is 
merely a matter of taste. Place us in the condi- 
tion of our English brethren financially, to say 



82 THE TRUE EVANGELIST. 

nothing about other matters, and we could well 
endure to be appointed by chairmen, however 
closely they might look after their own interests. 
But while it is a case of life and death, as it actu- 
ally is in some parts of this country, and of com- 
petence, poverty and suffering, as in a majority 
of cases, it is desirable to leave as little room for 
selfishness in the cabinet as possible. The differ- 
ence is infinite. Assure us of a competent sup- 
port, of the payment of our travelling and other 
contingent expenses, and of sufficient domestic 
help ; and what would we care about our appoint- 
ments. We could refer this matter to a committee, 
and go into conference, and debate the appoint- 
ments in as good temper as our English brethren 
do, to say the least ; but as things are, to adopt 
their policy either in regard to bishops or presid- 
ing elders, would be extremely hazardous. 

The philosophy of human nature makes this 
certain as fate; and if it did not, the failures of our 
experimenting seceders admonish us to beware 
how we attempt to imitate our transatlantic breth- 
ren. Our presiding eldership has worked well 
thus far in connection with our episcopacy, — it 
was never doing better than now ; let us cherish 
it as an integral part of the system, and leave 
others to experiment, who have not so much at 
stake. It costs something, to be sure, but not 



METHODIST ITINERANCY. 83 

more, generally, than it is really worth. Pre- 
siding elders are frequently helping churches out 
of difficulty, and giving them counsel and encour- 
agement of great value. It is commonly through 
them that they receive their preachers, and that 
preachers are removed, if it becomes necessary. 
And after all, it do n't cost our societies one half 
to settle and unsettle their preachers that it does 
other denominations. One ordination and dis- 
mission costs some Congregational societies more 
than they would pay a presiding elder, as Metho- 
dists, in five or ten years. And yet they are not 
generally better satisfied with their preachers than 
our people. This is an interesting fact, to which 
the disaffected are desired to look. The writer 
has been astonished at the result of his own inves- 
tigations in the premises, and he w T ould commend 
the subject to the careful attention of all con- 
cerned. 

But it is objected, that quarterly meetings are 
not as interesting as formerly. This is admitted. 
Formerly, when Methodist societies were few and 
far between, and had but little preaching in any 
one place, — few meeting houses, and no Sabbath 
schools to require their attention at home, and es- 
pecially when they were persecuted and treated 
as outcasts by other sects, quarterly meetings were 
important occasions. Brethren assembled from a 



84 THE TRUE EVANGELIST. 

great distance, to exchange sympathies, hear the 
word of God, and get strengthened for new con- 
flicts. This was the result of their scattered, 
lonely, and destitute condition. Restore those 
circumstances, and old fashioned quarterly meet- 
ings will follow as a sort of moral necessity. - But 
this, we apprehend, is not desired. We prefer to 
be more numerous and influential, — have regular 
preaching, and other religious privileges at home, 
though they may detract somewhat from the inter- 
est of quarterly meetings. 

But notwithstanding the changes referred to, 
these great occasions are important, and we be- 
lieve, in some degree practicable. They exert an 
excellent influence in counteracting our tendency 
to localism, and create a sympathy between ad- 
joining societies, which is very pleasant and profit- 
able. Besides, they present an aspect of pros- 
perity, and otherwise contribute to the interests 
of the cause, in more ways than we have room to 
mention. 

To abolish the presiding eldership is not cer- 
tainly the way to promote these occasions. Nor 
can we reasonably adopt any circuit system, which 
will do it. And however desirable it may be to 
have the office filled by popular men, no ordinary 
popularity in the officer is sufficient. Brethren 
must first be made to feel the importance of the 



METHODIST ITINERANCY. 85 

object to the interests of the cause, and then de- 
termine on securing it. Not by giving up every 
thing at home, but by making arrangements, so 
that many may attend the quarterly meetings, and 
yet, the regular service be maintained, for the 
benefit of those who are deprived of the privilege. 
The writer is acquainted with one preacher in 
particular, who finds it convenient to make quar- 
terly meetings what they ought to be. We have 
seen him on these occasions several miles from 
home, with from forty to seventy of his flock, 
cheering up the weaker parts of the circuit, and 
gathering fresh inspiration for himself and his 
people, for prosecuting the itinerant work. We 
have just met him on one of those occasions, and 
surely it was a time of refreshing from the pres- 
ence of God, and all hearts seemed to feel it good 
to be there. Let every preacher exert himself a 
little in this way, and our quarterly festivals will 
be restored to their original interest. 

3. These being the arrangements adopted by 
the church for the operation of the itinerancy, 
preachers entering the ranks, relinquish the right 
of selecting their places of labor, and submit to 
them. They do it voluntarily, from a sense of 
duty. The church has no power to coerce them, 
and desires none. They have rights like other 
men, and may determine their course, amenable 
"8 



88 THE TRUE EVANGELIST. 

only to the Master. If they are received, it is 
by application to the quarterly conference, where 
they belong, composed chiefly of laymen. Here 
they obtain a recommendation to the annual con- 
ference, into which body they are admitted on 
trial, and into full connection after two years. 
Thus, deliberately devoting themselves to the 
work, they are bound by their own choice to con- 
form to its regulations, and go to such fields as 
are assigned then*. They are not at liberty to 
select for themselves, or to enter into any nego- 
tiations with the people, with a view to obtain a 
particular appointment. This is utterly at vari- 
ance with the system, and as we shall hereafter 
show, threatens its existence. Yet it is perfectly 
consistent for them to represent their situation to 
the superintendent, especially if it be peculiar. 
The only difficulty in this is, brethren are liable 
to be more emphatic than is suitable, .and if their 
wishes are not gratified, to be offended and com- 
plain. They don't consider that other preachers 
have claims, or that the wishes of the people are 
to be consulted, as well as their own. They look 
at the matter in one aspect only, and thus are 
deceived. If they will put themselves in the 
bishop's place, they may conceive many reasons 
why they should not be indulged. 

To make our security against oppression com- 



METHODIST ITINERANCY. 87 

plete, we are at liberty to retire from the work at 
any moment, without impeachment. This is often 
done, and after a little respite many have returned 
to live and die in the ranks. 

4. Societies coming into this arrangement sur- 
render the right to choose their own preachers, 
and engage to receive such as are sent to them. 
They accordingly secure the use of their pulpits 
to the church. This is indispensable. If socie- 
ties insist on choosing their preachers, preachers 
will insist on choosing their places, and here is an 
end to any thing like a uniform and permanent 
itinerancy. All these things cannot co-exist. 

The people, however, may represent their sit- 
uation and express their wants to the superinten- 
dent, but the least attempt at a negotiation with 
the preachers, is an infringement of the plan, — a 
breach of solemn contract. It is clandestinely 
exercising a right they have relinquished openly, 
and the best name we can allow for it is "pious 
fraud, 91 

There are other important points more or less 
connected with this system, but they will be suffi- 
ciently canvassed elsewhere. The object of this 
chapter is more particularly to exhibit the motive 
power of the system, and its auxiliaries, and vin- 
dicate them against the aspersions of opponents. 



CHAPTER VI. 



SOME SOURCES OF DANGER TO THE ITINERANCY 
OF THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

From what has been said, it is obvious that a 
system of efficient itinerancy is necessarily a sys- 
tem of sacrifice. There is a relinquishment of 
individual rights and privileges for the general 
good, which will operate with more or less sever- 
ity upon the individual happiness of the parties 
concerned. Thus the preacher, for instance, will 
occasionally find himself associated with a people 
ill adapted to his personal tastes and predilections, 
and yet, perhaps, the very people who ought to 
feel his influence, and be moulded by his manners 
and instructions. And portions of the people in 
their turn, will be served by preachers not so 
agreeable to them as others they might select. 
Besides, many preachers will be compelled to serve 
for less compensation than they could obtain in 
other appointments in our church, and much less 
than they might receive in other denominations. 

And the people will be liable to have preach- 

88 



ITINERANCY IN DANGER. 89 

ers with them, whose actual necessities will re- 
quire of them larger contributions than they find 
it convenient to make. 

Now that these, and similar liabilities ought to 
be looked after in a proper way, and obviated so 
far as practicable, consistent with the interests of 
the work, is certain. But there is danger of al- 
lowing them to exert so great an influence as to 
carty us into measures not recognized by the sys- 
tem, and dangerous to its legitimate operation and 
even to its existence. Such cases have no doubt 
occurred, and their effect has been what might 
have been expected. And while these liabilities 
exist, (and they are incident to any system of itin- 
erancy worthy of the name,) we may expect their 
re-currence, and should guard against them with 
all proper precaution. To facilitate this object, 
we propose to specify a few particulars, and dis- 
cuss them with the greatest frankness. And we 
have to beg the reader not to suspect us of being 
personal because we describe things as he has 
actually seen them. We mean to be pointed, but 
not personal — to reform and not to offend, 

1. The practice of preachers seeking the most 
lucrative and agreeable appointments by negotia- 
tion with the people, is an infringement of our 
itinerant system, and dangerous to its existence. 
That this practice exists among us to some extent, 
8* 



90 THE TRUE EVANGELIST. 

will not be denied. However adroitly concealed, 
it is understood both by preachers and people. 
And if we mistake not, it is as generally condem- 
ned in the abstract as it is known. Even those 
who are most involved in it, do not pretend that 
it is Methodistical or safe, as a general practice. 
But we fear the evil is not fully estimated, either 
in its nature or tendencies. 

It has already been shown, that in becoming 
itinerants we relinquished the right to choose our 
own field of labor, in other words, to negotiate 
with the people to become their preacher, and 
submitted ourselves to the appointing power of the 
church. Here was a solemn contract entered 
into by us, and the ministers who received us to 
their connection, of which the practice under con- 
sideration is a most palpable violation. This may 
be seen by considering whether we should have 
been received, had we announced it as our pur- 
pose to pursue this course, when our case was 
pending. Every brother can see at once, that he 
would not have been received under these circum- 
stances. It was upon his pledge to submit to the 
rules of itinerancy, that he was admitted to the 
travelling connection. This practice, then, is a 
breach of positive contract — an unconstitutional, 
and, therefore, an unfair effort to possess himself 
of what may belong to another. Instead of stand- 



ITINERANCY IN DANGER. 91 

ing on an equal footing with his brethren, and 
taking his chance with them, according to agree- 
ment, he stealthily resumes his relinquished rights, 
and takes advantage of the other parties to the 
contract, and perhaps crowds those who are en- 
titled by reason of their talents and faithfulness to 
first-rate stations, into inferior ones. It is a dis- 
honest game, at best, which preachers of the 
gospel ought to blush to play, at any price. 

The fact that the final determination of the 
matter lies with the superintendent, does not 
essentially alter the case. To visit a people, and 
preach trial sermons, in fact, if not in name, with 
a view of getting a call, — promising to be station- 
ed with a people if they can get the bishop to 
make the appointment, and encouraging extra 
efforts, such as sending formal petitions, and 
special committees to conference, is nearly tanta- 
mount to making the contract outright. It is 
contrary to the spirit of the plan, and places the 
presiding bishop in circumstances where he must 
ratify the appointment nolens vohns, or give of- 
fence, which may occasion him interminable 
trouble. And, thus, it is wronging the superin- 
tendent, by imposing a burden upon him he never 
ought to be compelled to bear. His work is 
sufficiently laborious and perplexing at best, and 
such a movement is unfair and subversive of the 



92 THE TRUE EVANGELIST. 

natural operation of the system. Perhaps, when 
he comes to sit down to the difficult business of 
making out the appointments, it will appear to him 
and his counsel as clear as light, that the contract- 
ing preacher ought to remain in his own conference, 
and not be transferred, or go to another appointment 
where no man who is to be removed can do as 
well. Perhaps, too, he finds it convenient to supply 
the contracting people even better, the contract 
aside, than he would by granting their petition. 
Here is a dilemma. What can the man do ? The 
interests of the work of God, and this private ne- 
gotiation are at variance. Another preacher the 
contracting people will not pleasantly receive, and 
their pledged favorite will feel wronged, if he is 
not indulged. 

Let it not be said that these suppositions are 
impracticable, and therefore they exaggerate the 
evil. It is not so. They only express what has 
frequently occurred. And were the practice com- 
plained of to become general, such difficulties 
would become absolutely insurmountable, and the 
system go to utter ruin. And what is to hinder 
its becoming general, if it be countenanced. Can 
we calculate that brethren will consent to be ap- 
pointed to places which have been spoiled for them 
by previous negotiations with other men? Or 
that they will consent to occupy pi aces which these 



ITINERANCY IN DANGER. 93 

negotiators did not think worthy of their notice ? 
Or, is it more probable that they will follow the 
unworthy example set them, and throw off all pre- 
tence to itinerancy ? The latter is decidedly the 
more honorable course. But in either case, the 
itinerancy will lose its power, if not its existence. 

For preachers to negotiate to locate and serve 
a society, as a sort of settled pastor, is also disas- 
terous. No brother who respects the cause of 
Christ, and the interests of the church, will take 
such a course. It can only originate in supreme 
selfishness; and however isolated cases may be 
sustained, its direct tendency is to destroy the 
system. 

2. The practice of the people petitioning preach- 
ers, to procure their services, is a dangerous 
invasion of our plan. To petition the bishop di- 
rectly, or through the presiding elder, representing 
their condition, and wants, is perfectly proper, as 
we have before intimated, because he is the func- 
tionary to whom they have surrendered their 
respective rights in the premises. But to petition 
the preachers, is to act, as far as it goes, precisely 
as though no such surrender had been made, and 
is, therefore, a violation of the compact entered 
into, and an injustice to the other parties. To il- 
lustrate — A, is a large and pleasant society, in an 
agreeable location, and gives its preacher a com- 



94 THE TRUE EVANGELIST. 

fortable support. B, C, D, F, are itinerants, and 
parties to the contract, all good men, and eligible 
to be stationed at A, in the regular operation of 
the system. But the members of A, fearing they 
shall not get the best man, send for D, who has a 
high reputation, to visit them, with the view, if 
they are pleased with him, of securing his services 
the next year. He comes, and is admired. Ap- 
plication is made to Mm to become their next 
preacher, — a good salary is promised, — it is talked 
through the society, that he is willing, and even 
desires to come. Some will give so much to sup- 
port him, and some will leave if they are not 
accommodated ; and now, a delegation is despatch- 
ed to the bishop to represent the necessity of the 
case, and secure the appointment. So, with pow- 
ers, plenipotentiary, they hasten to the seat of the 
conference, have another interview with their can- 
didate, and then, taking the bishop aside, they 
represent the peculiarity of their situation,j>ws£ at 
this time, and so standing by to the last, they ob- 
tain their man. Thus the weaker society, G, to 
which, in the judgment of all, D would have been 
sent had there been no interference, leaving itself 
in the hands of the appointing power, in good 
faith, is defrauded of its legitimate rights, by un- 
derhanded manoeuvring, which has compelled the 
bishop, as the least of evils thrust upon him, to ap- 



ITINERANCY IN DANGER. 95 

point D to A. Now we ask if A is not guilty of 
a dishonest violation of the compact existing be- 
tween it and G ? In a matter of worldly business, 
such conduct would be called fraud. Is it any 
better in this case ? If G had known what was 
being done, it might have created a counter ne- 
cessity, and averted the threatened wrong. But, 
its integrity to contract, has been taken advantage 
of, to its injury. Nor have the other societies 
been used better, though they may not so immedi- 
ately suffer. The movements of A, are against 
them all, and imply a willingness to wrong them 
all, for its own gratification. If D be a member 
of another conference, where his services are 
much needed, or, has been in his station but one 
year when these operations commence, (which is 
sometimes the case,) the injustice of A is more 
striking, though not more real. 

But this procedure is a wrong done to preachers 
as well as people. There may be twenty in the 
conference who have higher claims to the honors 
of A, than D has. But, by this conspiracy, they 
are thrown back into less desirable places, and are 
thus tempted, either to abandon the itinerancy 
utterly, or to electioneer for themselves, and crip- 
ple its energies. I 

Looking at this practice in whatever aspect we 
may, it presents but one appearance. There is ; 



96 THE TRUE EVANGELIST. 

not a redeeming quality about it. No lover of 
Methodism, who understands its nature and bear- 
ings, will countenance it for one moment. Tt is a 
bold infraction of the system, which cannot con- 
sist with its permanent existence. 

If it be said in apology for those who pursue 
this course, that societies are often in circum- 
stances to require a particular preacher, it is 
admitted. But, generally, those circumstances 
are of the people's own make. Frequently it is 
done by building large and expensive churches, 
and thereby contracting a heavy debt, which can- 
not be managed without a large congregation. 
Hence the country must be scanned to find a man 
that can fill the house. And if one is sent who 
fails of this object, he must be peaceably removed, 
however good and strong, or the society will re- 
bel, or sink under the debt. Those who will take 
the pains to examine the history of such houses, 
and debts, will find they have been a great annoy- 
ance to the itinerancy. Men have been rejected, 
or have failed of success, who, under common cir- 
cumstances, would have done well. The opinion 
is, therefore, well founded, that societies had bet- 
ter worship in a barn or in the open air, than to 
erect houses which require clerical prodigies to 
sustain them. It is a dangerous expedient, which 
has caused the church immense trouble. And as 



ITINERANCY IN DANGER. 97 

it is in this case, so it is in most others, the circum- 
stances which are plead in apology for thisea; curia 
procedure, are creatures of the people, and ought 
to be avoided. But where they are unavoidable, 
they furnish no apology for infringing the itiner- 
ant plan. The emergency can be met in a better 
way. Let the people give the bishop a faithful 
representation of their case, and look to God in 
prayer, determined to prosper under whoever may 
come, and they will seldom fail. 

3. The practice of individuals refusing to sup- 
port preachers, because they do not happen to be 
pleased with them, though the majority of the 
church are, is another source of danger to the 
itinerancy. It is allowed that the people may re- 
fuse to support their preacher, and that this would 
be justifiable, as a last resort, in case they are op- 
pressed, and cannot obtain redress toy the milder 
means of remonstrance and petition. And this is 
as it ought to be. We would, by no means, give 
preachers any other than a moral hold upon the 
purses of the people. And we cannot deny that 
individuals have the civil right to refuse to sup- 
port their preachers, where the majority esteem 
them, either with or without cause. But nothing 
can be more certain than that this practice is sub- 
versive of the best interests of the church. Gen- 
erally adopted, it would keep our societies in 
9 



y» THE TRUE EVANGELIST. 

perpetual agitation, and reduce them to a worth- 
less mass of discords. Being young, and not 
wealthy, union is indispensable to existence. All 
must act in concert, or the cause will decline. If 
one may refuse to support this preacher because 
he is not a favorite, or because of some prejudice 
against him, others may refuse to support that, 
for the same reason. And if this should be recog- 
nized as a correct principle, no year would pass 
without more or less difficulties from this quarter, 
as no one preacher can possibly be the favorite of 
all. Besides, there are some, no doubt, who 
would not scruple to invent objections to a 
preacher, if by so doing they could honorably re- 
fuse to support him. The principle furnishes a 
strong temptation to the avaricious to disaffection, 
and is, therefore, wrong and ruinous. We believe 
it to be strictly anti-Methodistical. To adopt it, 
is an attempt to control by our money, what we 
have submitted to the direction of other causes, 
and is putting ourselves in the place of God, and 
the best interests of the church. The true Chris- 
tian policy is, to support the preacher, and make 
the most of him, whether we are particularly 
pleased or not, provided the society, as such, does 
not see cause to adopt the extreme measure of 
withholding his support. It is the cause of 
Christ and the church, which is to be consulted, 



ITINERANCY IN DANGER. 99 

and not our prejudices. Will my withholding 
support from God's minister be the best I can do 
for the cause, is the question, and not whether it 
will gratify my feelings. If others are pleased 
and profited by his labors, that is reason enough 
why I should sustain him, though, as an individ- 
ual, I may dislike him. This is the true mag- 
nanimity of Methodism, and is fatal to that narrow 
selfishness which supports the gospel only so far 
as may be necessary to gratify personal prejudices 
and predilections. And, every departure from 
this practice, is hazardous to the itinerancy, since 
it is calculated to embarrass the preacher finan- 
cially, and necessitate him to resort to some differ- 
ent system under which his support will not 
depend upon so many contingencies. 

4. One of the principal dangers to this system, 
is found in certain measures which are sometimes 
adopted to procure the removal of preachers 
from a place at the close of their first year. The 
labor and perplexity of moving, as much as we 
are obliged to, is very great. To be forced to 
move, therefore, when it is not plainly required by 
our rules, or the good of the cause, is trying to 
one/s feelings. Now, our rules allow us to re- 
main in a place two successive years, and reason 
and common observation teach, that this is as of- 
ten as it is necessary for men of ordinary qualifi- 



100 THE TRUE EVANGELIST. 

cations and industrious habits to move. Such 
men, need not fail of filling up this brief period 
profitably. 

And, by comparing those societies which retain 
their preachers two years, with those which 
change annually, it will be seen that they have a 
decided advantage. They are generally more 
stable and intelligent. A too frequent change of 
ministers tends to excitability and vacillation, as 
their permanent settlement does to stupefaction 
and spiritual decay. It is, therefore, the opinion 
of many among us, that, two years ought to be re- 
garded as the rule, one the exception; and ac- 
cordingly unless objections are made to it, either 
by the preachers or their societies, it should be 
expected that preachers will remain the second 
year, except where there are imperative claims for 
their services in another place. Either may pro- 
pose a change to the appointing officer, and assign 
all the reasons for desiring it, in perfect accord- 
ance with the system, and without offence ; pro- 
vided, it be done at a proper time and in a proper 
way ; and with the understanding, that, if he, af- 
ter an impartial examination of the whole case, 
judges it best, all things considered, for their con- 
nection to continue another year, they shall sub- 
mit peaceably, as though no change had been 
proposed. The danger lies in restless disaffected 



ITINERANCY IN DANGER. 101 

individuals interfering as they ought not, so as, by 
agitating, to make it exceedingly unpleasant, and 
perhaps, unprofitable, for the preacher to remain. 
This may be done under the cover of high profes- 
sions, and on pretence of seeking the good of the 
cause, where a wicked and indomitable selfishness 
lies at the bottom. The preacher has in some 
way, perhaps, given offence, or failed to please a 
few, or they know of another preacher, they 
imagine, who would suit them better ; so to effect 
a change, they commence operations some months, 
peradventure, before conference, and mournfully 
complain of specific acts, or neglects of the preach- 
er, and of the consequent coldness of the church. 
They sometimes report for fact that the congrega- 
tion, classes, and Sabbath school, are on the de- 
cline ; or, if this is too palpably false to state, they 
confidently prophesy that they will decline. If 
the stewards and others neglect their duty, so that 
the preacher's support is behind, this is all attribu- 
ted to his unpopularity. It is affirmed that it is 
impossible to support him another year, and to 
prove it, they sometimes retail what they have 
heard each other say, or have surmised. And if 
all this sort of thing, carried on out of sight, is 
not likely to secure the object, they will bring 
matters to an open rupture, and thus create a 
state of things by conference time, which will 






102 THE TRUE EVANGELIST. 

render it hazardous, both for preacher and peo- 
ple, for him to remain, and not less so for him to 
leave. 

That our church has been infested with a few 
such intermeddlers with constitutional itenerancy, 
is undeniable, however mortifying the fact. They 
are generally persons of some peculiarities, and 
often of very nice consciences about " mint, an- 
nis and cummin," — difficult to please, inclined to 
complain of the present, and glorify the past, — 
ignorant and covetous, and yet withal, they have 
some qualities strangely intermingled, which, un- 
der circumstances favorable to their indescribable 
temperaments, render them useful. But as they 
are few in number, and we trust growing less 
every year, it is hardly worth while to say much 
concerning them. 

Efforts are sometimes made for the same object 
from better motives, and in a better spirit, which 
are nevertheless injurious and hurtful. The 
preacher's feelings are injured, parties are formed, 
and prejudices are engendered, which are calcu- 
lated to alienate both preachers and people from 
the system. How such things may be avoided is an 
important question, upon which a few suggestions 
may not be out of place. 

(1.) Let all our societies fix it in their minds, that 
their preacher will, (especially if he has a family,) 



ITINERANCY IN DANGER. 103 

remain with them two years, unless there shall 
be good and sufficient reasons for his removal at 
the close of the first year. This is a great point 
to gain, particularly for certain ultraists, who 
hold, that a minister ought to move annually, 
whatever the circumstances. And to facilitate 
the object, brethren will do well to take the 
minutes for the last ten years, and sit down and 
study the history of our churches in reference to 
this single point. They will be surprised at the 
result of the investigation. 

If any thing farther be necessary, let them in 
imagination take the preacher's place, — just set- 
tled, sympathies and affections aroused ; work 
perhaps successfully begun, or, at least, there are 
no reasons existing why he may not succeed ; and 
short of money, — and see whether they would 
think it fair for measures to be adopted to effect 
their removal at the end of the first year. A little 
reflection of this sort, will be sufficient to expose 
the unfairness of such a course, and bring all our 
members to the determination to retain their min- 
isters the second year, if possible, except where 
there are substantial reasons for a change. If 
doing unto others as we would that they should do 
unto us, is a principle for which they have the 
least respect, such a conclusion is inevitable. 

(2 ) But should it be thought, that there are rea- 



104 



THE TRUE EVANGELIST. 






sons sufficient to demand a change at the close of 
the first year, and measures are in contemplation 
to effect it, brethren will do well to inquire how 
many personal friends of the preacher will feel 
afflicted by the operation. This is not sufficiently 
considered. Every preacher has his friends. 
Those who are most exposed to criticism and dis- 
affection, while they are extremely disliked by 
some, are proportionably esteemed by others. 
Disaffected brethren should consider, therefore, 
whether it be not better for the church to endure 
the weakness and infirmity of the preacher an- 
other year, than to afflict and alienate his friends, 
by taking measures for his removal. It is seldom, 
we believe, that a church is divided by retaining 
its preacher, but no year passes, without many 
being more or less injured by the removal of 
preachers contrary to their wishes, and the wishes 
of their friends. Brethren are often deceived in 
this matter. Because they hear some little dis- 
satisfaction expressed by members of the church 
and congregation, they take it for granted that an 
effort to remove him will be approved, but on 
making the experiment, they find their mistake. 
His friends are afflicted and become more friend- 
ly, — -the sympathies of some of his enemies and 
many neutrals are aroused in his favor, and a deep 
prejudice against those who oppose him, is the 



ITINERANCY IN DANGER. 105 

result. Thus the church is distracted with party 
contests, if not divided and overthrown. The 
evil of such a movement is greater than is con- 
nected with retaining almost any preacher in the 
Connection. Weakness, and even imprudence in 
a preacher, can much better be sustained by a 
church, than a quarrel among themselves. The 
endurance is, at most, but for a year ; whereas, a 
difficulty commenced may last for ever. Where 
the reasons for a chancre are strong and manifest, 
no such movement is necessary to secure it. 
Where they are not, the church had generally 
better retain their preacher, than to run the haz- 
ard of any considerable effort to remove him. 

This opinion is favored by the fact, that the 
change proposed may not be an improvement. 
We believe efforts are sometimes made to procure 
the removal of a preacher, from no opposition to 
him, but rather from a stronger attachment to 
another, whose services are desired. Now, breth- 
ren should never forget, that there is much un- 
certainty about their having the man of their first 
choice, even if a change is made. There may be 
many other applications for him from different 
societies, some one of which has superior claims. 
And then, again, brethren should consider whether 
the man they seek has not defects, which will be 
more detrimental to his usefulness than those 



106 THE TRUE EVANGELIST. 

which mar the present incumbent. This is often 
the case, and societies have had occasion to la- 
ment the day of their highest gratification. There 
is always danger of getting one of less accepta- 
bility. Better men, may have been but a single 
year in their stations, and are not to be moved ; or 
the superintendent and his council may misjudge 
the exact wants of the people, and the qualifica- 
tions of the preacher who may be appointed. 
These considerations are of the highest importance, 
and should be carefully pondered prior to any 
movement in the premises. 

(3.) It may not be amiss to suggest that brethren 
carefully inquire whether the assumed faults of 
the preacher are not more or less attributable to 
themselves, and whether a different course of pro- 
cedure, on their part, would not remedy the evil. 
It will be very appropriate for them to ask, have 
we not expected too much of our preacher ? Did 
we receive him cordially ? Have we supplied his 
temporal wants ? counselled, encouraged, and sus- 
tained him as duty required ? Have we punctual- 
ly attended upon his ministry ? upon the business, 
prayer, and class meetings ? Have we prayed for 
him as we ought ? or have we been tardy, and 
complaining, and thrown all the labor upon him 1 
For brethren to reject a minister they have 
treated with coldness, and not prayed for and sus- 



ITINERANCY IN DANGER. 107 

tained in his arduous duties, is unkind and cruel. 
They had better call a meeting, and confess their 
sins to God, and each other, and to him ; and pe- 
tition the superintendent to return him to them, 
that they may atone for the past, and retrieve the 
spirit of labor and devotion. This is striking at 
the root of the difficulty, and correcting the evil 
in the gospel way. It has been well said by one 
whose judgment is entitled to respect, that " it 
takes the whole church to preach the gospel ef- 
fectually." A preacher is better off with no 
church at all, than with one that is spiritually 
dead. Such a church is like a wall of adamant 
between him and sinners' hearts, and neutralizes 
his best endeavors. It is a standing libel upon 
Christianity ; and being on the side of depravity, 
exerts more influence against religion, than all the 
eloquence that ever thundered from the pulpit can 
exert in its favor. We have few preachers, so un- 
suitable for their work as not to be of some ser- 
vice to any church, the members of which are 
alive in religion. It will be well for all our mem- 
bers to think of this, and rely less upon the 
preacher, and more upon God, and their own en- 
deavors. 

We have spoken emphatically on this point, 
because it is one of great interest to the itineran- 
cy — both to preachers and people. To the lat- 



108 



THE TRUE EVANGELIST. 



ter, particularly, who are necessarily the greater 
sufferers. If a preacher be unfairly removed from 
a station, he may go to another, and labor suc- 
cessfully for God and souls, but he leaves a storm 
behind, from which the people cannot escape. 
They have gained the victory, but it is their ruin. 
They meant it for good, but they were deceived. 
If, however, they have learned that it is better 
to endure some little inconvenience for a year, 
than 4 to hazard the success of many, it may not 
be altogether in vain. 

5. Deficiency in the support of our ministers, is 
another source of danger to the itinerancy, which 
is entitled to consideration. A hireling ministry, 
is to be detested. The more local and isolated 
men are, who preach for " filthy lucre," and make 
merchandize of the means of grace, the better for 
humanity and religion. They are intruders into 
the sacred office, and are neither to be esteemed 
or supported. 

But the Savior has said, the " laborer is worthy 
of his meat "—that those who " preach the gospel 
shall live of the gospel." The minister who de- 
votes himself to his calling, is entitled to a compe- 
tent living for himself and family. Without this, he 
must be embarrassed, so as to impair his influence, 
and bring reproach upon the cause. What greater 
temptation can a man have to abandon the itine- 



ITINERANCY IN DANGER. 109 

rancy, and especially in this country, where there 
are so many available sources of competence and 
wealth? It is an astounding fact, that since 
Methodism began its glorious career in this coun- 
try, three times as many travelling preachers have 
located, as have died, withdrawn, and been expel- 
led, put together, to say nothing of others who 
have become discouraged during their probationary 
labors, and turned aside to other churches and 
other callings. It is not presumed, that all of 
them were influenced to this course by temporal 
embarrassment, but it is well known that this 
has been a fruitful source of locations. Many 
have itinerated themselves into debt, and located 
to be honest and provide for their households. 

How much the members of the church are to 
be blamed, is for the Judge of all to decide. We 
have not referred to the fact censoriously, by any 
means. However unfaithful individuals may have 
been in supporting the ministry, it is believed that 
our people, taken together, have been as liberal 
according to their means as any other church in 
the land. They have generally been of the poorer 
classes, of which we boast. 

But now, that our circumstances are improved, 
and our membership greatly increased, this mat- 
ter demands special attention. It is enough to 
ask of ministers that they forego the pleasures of 
10 



110 THE TRUE EVANGELIST. 

wealth, without imposing on them the pains of 
penury and want. We would, therefore, exhort 
all who love this stupendous system of usefulness, 
to aid in its support. It is as much the duty of 
every member and friend of the church to do this, 
as it is to pray for its success. And, poor ^s we 
are, compared with some others, we are satisfied 
that were all to contribute for this object, as God 
prospers them, there would be little ground of 
complaint in any part of the work, and our itine- 
rant machinery would roll on with increasing vi- 
gor, to the consummation of its noble enterprise. 
Reader, what have you done the present year to 
support your minister 1 How much do you pro- 
pose to do ? If God requires your minister to 
preach, he requires you to help support him. 
If you neglect the latter, you may compel him to 
neglect the former, and turn away from the gos- 
pel to serve tables. As you love the itineran- 
cy, and wish to see it advancing with accumulat- 
ing force, do your duty. Do it now, — do it next 
year,— do it while you live. 

6. It has become somewhat common in certain 
parts of the country for travelling ministers to lo- 
cate their families. This is always done in the 
expectation of being accommodated in their ap- 
pointments. And if they are not, they are apt to 
take offence, and secede, or locate, and become 









ITINERANCY IN DANGER. Ill 

opposers of the itinerancy. Many of the most 
lamentable alienations from our church, are at- 
tributable to this cause. And often where they 
are accommodated, it is to the great injury of re- 
ligion. They are either stationed where there 
are prejudices against them, or where there are 
not adequate means of support, either of which is 
a source of embarrassment and trial to themselves 
and their people. 

Men of ordinary talent cannot long retain their 
popularity under these circumstances, nor, in- 
deed, the most humble place in the itinerant 
ranks. The experiment has been too often tried 
to admit of hope in the case, and it is devoutly to 
be wished that it may never be repeated. 

Ministers of a higher order of talent have some- 
times done better, yet they have essentially suf- 
fered, and itinerancy has suffered with them. To 
accommodate their circumstances, it has been 
necessary to continue them in the presiding elder- 
ship for many years, or to keep them hovering 
around the same city or neighborhood, vibrating 
between the presiding elder's office and a station, 
much to the annoyance of the people. 

On the whole, it cannot be denied that the 
practice is injurious. And as travelling is now 
cheaper and easier, and parsonage furniture is 
more generally supplied than formerly, it is to be 
hoped that it will be abandoned 



112 



THE TRUE EVANGELIST. 












7. We cannot refrain from mentioning in this 
place, a popular evil among us, which, we fear, 
will be given up with great reluctance. We 
mean, the practice of preaching farewell ser- 
mons. It is very unpleasant for ministers and 
their people to separate, where there exists any 
ordinary degree of affection between them. At 
best, parting scenes are hazardous to a circulat- 
ing ministry. Paul had his heart broken at Ce- 
sarea by the tears and entreaties of his brethren, 
who would dissuade him from leaving them. But 
by the grace of God, he tore himself from their em- 
braces, saying, " What mean ye to weep and to 
break my heart ? for I am ready not to be bound 
only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of 
the Lord Jesus." Acts xxi. 13. Such scenes are 
necessarily painful, and proportionably calculated 
to render an itinerant ministry disagreeable. 

But how much they are aggravated by farewell 
sermons, aimed at the passions, to educe the great- 
est manifestation of regret possible, we need not 
describe. That minister must have little suscep- 
tibility of emotion, and little influence over his 
flock, who cannot, by taking advantage of such 
circumstances, produce very considerable excite- 
ment both in himself and his people. And what 
must be the effect ? Some, we know, will be dis- 
gusted, as every one really ought to be, but the 



ITINERANCY IN DANGER. 113 

mass will go away complaining of the itinerancy, 
and perhaps resolving to abandon the system, and 
get a minister they can call their own. 

Let us not be misunderstood. We do not object 
to referring to the approaching separation. The 
occasion is one which may be improved to great 
profit. It furnishes a fit opportunity to exhibit 
and defend the itinerant system, and to inspire 
the audience with those noble and heavenly sen- 
timents and emotions, which are necessary to 
grapple the difficulties, and make the sacrifices 
inseparable from its faithful prosecution. The 
church may be made to feel a stronger and holier 
enthusiasm in meeting the reproaches, and bear- 
ing the burdens of the cause, than on any other 
day in the year. It may, too, be reminded of its 
duty to the coming stranger, of its own resources, 
and of the certainty of success under almost any 
administration, if God be sought unto, and de- 
pended on. 

8. Itinerancy has no doubt suffered from the 

multiplication of stations beyond our ability to 

furnish them competent preachers, or to support 

them. Our zeal has not always been according 

to knowledge. Hoping to extend the work of 

God and Methodism, we have often constituted a 

mere handful of members into a separate station, 

without any reasonable prospect of their being 
10* 



114 



THE TRUE EVANGELIST. 






able to support a preacher properly. Many such 
societies have struggled through and gained con- 
siderable strength ; but many others remain weak 
and unsettled, and are in doubt whether they shall 
survive or perish. The evils of too great precipi- 
tancy in this matter are various. First, it im- 
poses a severe trial upon the preachers, whose 
lot it is to serve such societies. They have to 
labor under great disadvantages. Their income, 
at most, being only sufficient to meet the bare ne- 
cessaries of life, they have to occupy unsuitable 
houses, devote considerable time to supply their 
own wants, and after all, live in a style which is 
prejudicial to their influence in community. It 
also imposes a heavy tax upon the people. Being 
few and poor, and having to support the preacher, 
and meet the other expenses of society, they must 
feel it a burden upon their spirits. How many in 
such circumstances have lost their energy, and 
left the church altogether 1 To this, we may add, 
that such societies are often compelled to worship 
in inconvenient places, or to erect contracted and 
unsuitable meeting houses, or run in debt for bet- 
ter ones, where there is not sufficient probability 
of their paying ; all of which are ruinous evils, 
and to be avoided if possible. 

It is believed that brethren had better go a con- 
siderable distance to church, even on foot, than to 



ITINERANCY IN DANGER. 115 

attempt to support themselves as a separate sta- 
tion before they are able. To begin to build and 
not be able to finish, is mortifying. It is well for 
them to consider their present numbers and 
strength, — the amount of population around them, 
and the prospect of success with an ordinary 
preacher. And, if in view of alk these things. 
there is not a reasonable probability that they 
will have a respectable congregation, and be 
able to give a preacher a comfortable support, 
they had better continue in connection with an- 
other appointment, and be satisfied with occasional 
lectures or preaching a part of the time. This 
will be best not only for them, but for the society 
with which they are connected, which might be 
discouraged and enfeebled, and even destroyed by 
their separation. And, besides, it will save a 
preacher, for a more propitious place, where he 
may be sustained and do good. 

We are evidently becoming too fearful of a lit- 
tle sacrifice in going to church. A few miles 
walk used to be thought nothing of for the sake of 
meeting with the people of God, and hearing a 
sermon or two. Men, women and children would 
perform the task with the utmost cheerfulness, 
and the preacher would have hearers, But now, 
alas f every neighborhood must have a preacher 
to entertain a handful cf people, though he die for 



116 



THE TRUE EVANGELIST. 



the want of bread, or they are thought to be in a 
state of moral destitution. It is time to have done 
with this miserable policy. It is squandering 
ministerial talent upon the sluggishness of the 
people, and is little better than beating the air. 
Small societies within a few miles of each other 
had better compromise, and have a preacher 
among them who shall give them each a sermon 
on the Sabbath, and one occasionally in the even- 
ing, and all turn out and hear him. By such an 
arrangement the preachers would receive an am- 
ple support without unduly taxing any one, they 
would have more hearers, and of course would 
preach better, and the societies would have more 
or less preaching every week, and be less oppress- 
ed with debts and duns than at present. 



CHAPTER VII. 

THE MINISTRY NECESSARY TO THE ITINERANCY 
OF THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

Peculiar duties, require peculiar men. It is 
not every man who is suitable for a minister, nor 
every minister who is adapted to itinerate. We 
need men in this work who have a mind for it, 
are called to it, and are qualified to perform its 
duties. Men who are shut up to it — whose con- 
victions of duty disallow of their pursuing any 
thing else. In particular : 

1. They must be men of genuine piety — men 
who are really converted to God, and have the 
witness of the Spirit " that they are the children 
of God," and heirs of heaven. A faith which 
stands not in the wisdom of men, but in the power 
of God, and a hope which is now like an anchor 
to the soul, are indispensable. It is the itinerant's 
duty, to teach every where, the height, and depth, 
and length, and breadth of salvation — its spirit- 
uality and power — its conditions and indications, 
its duties and emotions. And to do it in its own 

117 



118 THE TRUE EVANGELIST. 

spirit. And how can he do this, but by first feel- 
ing it himself — by having it wrought into his in- 
most soul by the Holy Ghost sent down from 
heaven, and maintained there in all the freshness 
of its first manifestation? St. Paul was sent to 
be a witness of " the things he had seen/' and the 
things in which Christ " would appear unto him." 
This was an important part of his duty as a min- 
ister ; and how faithfully he performed it, may be 
seen from his frequent reference to his Christian 
and ministerial experience. He who will success- 
fully preach the way of salvation by Christ, must 
himself be a witness of its practicability and 
power. He must be able to show that he has 
been saved by it ; that it has saved him from 
guilt, and sin, and fear, and has made him a new, 
and happy, and holy man. Who can persuade 
the sick to the great Physician, like one whose 
maladies have all been healed 1 He knows the 
blessedness of religion, because he has felt it. He 
knows its means are unfailing, because he has 
tried them. He knows God is true, because he 
has proved him. He can, therefore, be more defi- 
nite in his expositions, and more confident in his 
affirmations. Though he may be constarined to 
say in reference to many things, " I know not," 
he can confidently witness to the verity and power 
of the religion he preaches. 



THE MINISTRY NECESSARY. 119 

But who can have " a mind for " the arduous 
work of the itinerancy, without genuine piety ? 
We have shown it to be emphatically a system of 
sacrifice; a system which relinquishes every thing 
for Christ — which leaves selfishness no foothold. 
How is it possible, then, for unregenerate and 
selfish men to take any part in such a ministry ; 
or if by chance, they enter it, where is the prob- 
ability of their continuing in it long, or perform- 
ing its labors with efficiency ? As well may we 
expect to " gather grapes of thorns, or figs of 
thistles," as to expect Christian activity or minis- 
terial success from such men. Having no spiritual 
taste for the work, they will either be idlers in the 
temple of God, or daub it with untempered mortar. 

Says Erasmus, " You will never win others 
over to a religious life, unless you yourself are first 
possessed of piety . This inspires thoughts, dis- 
positions, and words, which nothing else can pro- 
duce. It is this that animates the voice, the ges- 
ture, and every action of the Christian preacher. 
When he is thus grounded in piety, it is difficult 
to conceive with what facility, and with what suc- 
cess he labors, still enjoying an unspeakable sweet- 
ness in himself. Then it is, that he is truly sen- 
sible of his vocation ; then he speaks in the 
cause of God, and then only he is in a proper sit- 
uation to affect others." 



120 THE TRUE EVANGELIST. 

2. They must be called of God to the office and 
work of the ministry. The Master has seen fit 
to make this office divinely elective, in other 
words, to choose his own ministers. Hence in- 
quires St. Paul, " How shall they preach except 
they be sent ? " Accordingly, the Savior called 
the twelve apostles — other seventy also, and en- 
joined the duty of praying the " Lord of the har- 
vest that he would send forth more laborers into 
his harvest." When the vacancy occasioned by 
the fall of Judas was to be filled, so deeply im- 
pressed were the apostles with the divine preroga- 
tive to call men to the ministry, they would not in- 
terpose their judgment, but submitted the case to 
God in prayer. While " certain prophets and 
teachers ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the 
Holy Ghost said, separate me Barnabas and Saul 
for the work whereunto I have called them. So 
they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed 
and preached the word of God in the synagogues 
of the Jews." 

Jesus said to Paul, " Rise and stand upon thy 
feet ; for I have appeared unto thee for this pur- 
pose, to make thee a minister and a witness, both 
of these things which thou hast seen, and of those 
things in which I will appear unto thee, deliv- 
ering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, 
unto whom now I send thee ; to open their eyes, 



THE MINISTRY NECESSARY. 1*21 

and to turn them from darkness to light, and 
the power of Satan unto God." It was in view 
of this call that the apostle declares, " Christ sent 
me not to baptize " (as my principal business,) "but 
to preach the Gospel." 1 Cor. i. IT. He alludes 
to it again, in the preface of his epistle to the 
Romans, in these words, — "Paul, a servant of 
Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated 
unto the gospel of God." And again, " Our suffi- 
ciency is of God, who also hath made us" (my- 
self, and my associates,) " able ministers of the 
New Testament, not of the letter," (only,) " but 
of the spirit." He " hath committed to us the 
word of reconciliation," and therefore, " we are 
ambassadors for Christ." 2 Cor. v. 19-20. "I 
was made a minister according to the gift of the 
grace of God, given unto me, by the effectual 
working of his power" Eph. iii. 7. St. Paul had 
no more doubt of his call to the ministry, than he 
had of his conversion. He speaks of both in the 
same breath, and declares both with the same 
assurance. 

Besides, he regarded this call to the ministry as 
equally binding with his call to be a Christian. 
He could no more abandon this than he could his 
religion. They w r ere to him, and are to all, 
we .believe, who are legitimately " sent," nearly 
one and the same thing. Hence, speaking of 
11 



122 THE TRUE EVANGELIST. 

"bonds and afflictions " which awaited him, he 
says, " But none of these things move me, neither 
count I my life dear unto my self y so that I might 
finish my course with joy, and the ministry which 
I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the 
gospel of the grace of God." Acts xx. 24. 
Speaking of the rights of a Christian minister, he 
remarks, " Though I preach the gospel, I have 
nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me ; 
yea, wo is me if I preach not the gospel." 1 Cor. 
ix. 16. That is, says Dr. Clarke, "I cannot 
glory in being a preacher of the gospel ; because 
I am not such either by my own skill or power ; 
I have received both the office and the grace by 
which I execute the office from God. I have not 
only his authority to preach, but that authority 
obliges me to preach, and if I did not, I should 
endanger my salvation. As every genuine preach- 
er receives his commission from God alone ; it is 
God alone who can take it away. Wo to that 
man: who runs when God has not sent him ; and 
w r o to him who refuses to run, or who ceases to 
run, when God has sent him." 

It is a doctrine of our church that God still 
calls his ministers to the sacred office, and quali- 
fies them for its duties in an important sense, and 
that he calls them by the Spirit moving their 
hearts to the work. Hence the question in our 



THE MINISTRY NECESSARY. 123 

Discipline : " How shall we try those who profess 
to be moved by the Holy Ghost to preach. The 
answer is divided into three parts. 1. " Let the 
following questions be asked, namely, Do they 
know God as a pardoning God ? Have they the 
love of God abiding in them ? Do they desire 
nothing bat God ? And are they holy in all man- 
ner of conversation ? " This respects their piety 
only, and shows that the framers of the Discipline 
believed that God would call none but holy men 
to this work. Men who " counted all loss for 
Christ, 5 ' who desired " nothing but God." And 
was not this the case with the twelve, the seventy, 
with Paul and with Timothy? Did they not for- 
sake all, and hazard all for Christ? 2. " Have 
they gifts (as well as grace) for the work ? Have 
they (in some tolerable degree) a clear and sound 
understanding, a right judgment in the things of 
God, a just conception of salvation by faith? 
And has God given them any degree of utter- 
ance ? Do they speak justly, readily, clearly V 
3. " Have they fruit ? Are any truly convinced 
of sin, and converted to God by their preaching ?" 
—p. 49. 

The church no more believes that God will call 
men to preach who have not talents for it, than 
that he will call unpardoned sinners, or cold and 
stupid professors, who have lost their first love 



124 THE TRUE EVANGELIST. 

And farther, that when he does call men, and 
they obey the divine mandate, he will give them 
fruit, such as occasions "joy in the presence of 
the angels of God." Who can believe that Jesus 
has " sent " a man to " open the eyes of the blind, 
and turn men from the power of Satan to God," 
and that he is now " with" him, w r hile that man 
has done and is doing nothing of the kind ? 
Whatever his talents, he shows conclusively by 
his failure that he is not one of God's commis- . 
sioned men, that he never was called to the work, 
or that he has fallen and lost his authority. Fine 
education, fine sermons, high sounding titles, and 
human applause, cannot cover him; he has failed 
of doing the work of a Christian minister, and 
proved to the world that he ran before he was 
sent, and that Christ, the faithful minister's com- 
panion, and Almighty strength, is not with him. 

When the twelve went out, hell trembled, and 
the seventy returned rejoicing that " even devils 
were subject to them." When Peter preached, 
the people were "pricked in their hearts," and 
cried out, "Men and brethren, what shall we do? " 
" And the Lord added to the church daily such 
as should be saved." And was not Paul success- 
ful? Did not " unclean spirits cry out " and flee 
away when Philip " preached Christ " in Sama- 
ria ; and was there not " great joy " in that city 1 



THE MINISTRY NECESSARY. 125 

Through the labors of Barnabas "much people 
was added unto the Lord." And which of God's 
chosen ministers has seen no fruit of his labor? 
Not one. It is only men-made ministers, proud, 
sycophantic, boasters of talent, or learning, or of 
being in the apostolic succession, so called, or 
who have taken the office " for a piece of bread." 

In regard to the call itself, to say no more now 
of the outward evidences of it, we may remark, 
it is as real and tangible as any other work of the 
Spirit. Those who deny the direct " witness of 
the Spirit" to our souls, " that we are the chil- 
dren of God," generally deny any direct and reli- 
able call by the Spirit, to the work of the minis- 
try. They look for the call in their general dis- 
position, circumstances, wishes, qualifications, 
&/C. But it is the doctrine of our church, that 
men are " moved by the Holy Ghost to preach" 
That God makes a direct impression upon their 
minds and hearts by his Spirit, which powerfully 
convinces them that it is his will they should 
preach the gospel. It is true, we do not overlook 
other evidences, as has been shown, but we regard 
them as secondary, and collateral ; so that without 
the direct witness of the Spirit to the fact, they 
would not be considered sufficient to constitute a 
valid call. 

The mode of the divine operation can no more 
11* 



1"Z6 THE TRUE EVANGELIST. 

be explained in this case than in others. We 
know that men are convinced of shi, or awakened 
by the Spirit. It is sometimes done quick as 
thought, — the heart is intolerably oppressed with 
a sense of guilt and danger in a moment. But 
how it is done we are unable to say. . Thus it is 
too, with the witness of adoption. A heavenly 
impression is made upon the heart, by which we 
instinctively cry, " Abba Father," and unspeaka- 
bly rejoice in God as our friend and Savior. So 
the call to the ministry is an impression made by 
the Spirit upon the mind, convincive of the divine 
will in the premises, — and one too, which will be 
as lasting as the evidence of acceptance with God, 
and will vary in its clearness and force, as the 
mind varies in its religious emotions. So that to 
resist it will produce conscious guilt, as to resist 
conviction of sin, and the duty of repentance. 
Thus arises the conviction expressed by the apos- 
tle, " ico is me if I preach not the gospel" 

This impression is generally accompanied with 
a desire for the conversion of sinners, and a cor- 
responding effort, by prayer, and otherwise, for 
the object. Besides, we believe God seldom calls 
a man to preach, without giving some evidence of 
the fact to his ministers and people. The pray- 
ing ones of the church at Antioch, probably knew 
of the call of Saul and Barnabas before they did. 



THE MINISTRY NECESSARY. 127 

The Lord said to Ananias concerning Saul, u he 
is a chosen vessel unto me to bear my name before 
the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Isra- 
el,'' while the scales were yet upon his eyes. But 
when the church is in a cold Laodicean state, or 
trammeled with strange and erroneous notions of 
the divine economy in relation to the subject, the 
call of God may be utterly concealed from its 
vision, and the subjects of it may be regarded as 
deluded and fanatical, or as self-conceited and 
aspiring. 

Such a call to the ministry, we regard as highly 
important to the itinerant work. Education, how- 
ever polished, is not sufficient; nor extraordinary 
talents, nor even personal piety,. There must be 
a divine call, and consecration to it, so convin- 
cive, that it cannot be evaded without guilt. And 
where there is such a call, there will be adapta- 
tion, — a mind so constituted and imbued, as to be 
efficient. This will render the duties of the office 
both pleasant and profitable. And, then, men 
who preach of " necessity " are comparatively 
reliable ; that is, they are to be depended on for 
active service. It has been a source of great af- 
fliction to the church, that so many of her minis- 
ters have turned aside to follow other and more 
lucrative callings. If they ran without being 
cent, or if their call was a mere election of their 



128? THE TRUE EVANGEL [ST. 

own, — -a choice of professions, and not of divine 
impulse, it is all well enough. They may resort 
to teaching, or lecturing, or getting subscribers, 
or working agencies, or political offices, manufac- 
tories, or farms, and no harm is done, other than 
to reproach the ministerial office by degrading it 
to a level with other pursuits. But if God has 
called a man to the ministry " by the effectual 
working of his power/' and gives him health to 
perform its duties, it is no more optional with him 
to abandon it for another vocation, however hon- 
orable and excellent, than it is to break the Sab- 
bath. "Necessity is laid upon" him. He is 
constrained to it, by the will of God, which can- 
not be resisted without guilt and danger. He may 
be tempted to turn aside, but with him to do it is 
to renounce Christ and a good conscience. 

Preaching Christ, " saving souls from death," 
strengthening the weak, confirming the wavering, 
and pushing the victories of the cross in every 
direction, is his first, his only business. He is 
4C engaged in a great work, and cannot come 
down " to the minor occupations, which invite his 
services, and court his avarice. 

If none should enter the ministry, but from such 
a conviction of duty, is it probable that there 
would be so much instability — so much fainting 
under hard labor and light fare, so many clerical 






THE MINISTRY NECESSARY. 129 

gentlemen abroad lecturing on all conceivable sub- 
jects, filling all kinds of agencies and offices, teach- 
ing the arts and sciences for gain, and preaching 
but seldom, and then to but little purpose, and in 
the place of others who might do it, perhaps, to 
better advantage ? How could they so easily break 
away from God, and bend their consciences to 
such work? 

It will be w T ell for our church to adhere to her 
principles on this subject w T ith invincible tenacity. 
No man should be licensed, or acknowledged as a 
minister, till he gives satisfactory evidence of piety, 
and a divine call to the work, whatever his other* 
qualifications. He should be required to report 
himself fully, — his religious state, the movements 
of the Spirit upon his heart, his efforts and success. 
Pollok describes the kind of ministers we espe- 
cially need, where he says : — 

" Elect by God himself, 
Anointed by the Holy Ghost, and set 
Apart to the great work of saving men. 
* . # # # # # 

All other men, what name 
Soe'er they have, whatever office held, 
If lawful held, — the magistrate supreme, 
Or else subordinate, were chosen by men, 
Their fellows, and from men derived their power, 
And were accountable for all they. did 



130 THE TRUE EVANGELIST. 

To men ; but he, alone, his office held 
Immediately from God, from God received 
Authority, and was to none but God 
Amenable. # * # 

His call, 
His consecration, his anointing, all 
Were inward, in the conscience heard 
And felt * * * # 

Thus, by Jehovah chosen, andordained 
To take into his charge the souls of men, 
And for his trust to answer at the day 
Of judgment, — great plenapotent of heaven 
And representative of God on earth, — 
Fearless of men and devils ; unabashed 
By sin enthroned, or mockery of a prince, 
Unawed by armed legions, unseduced 
By offered bribes, burning with love to souls, 
Unquenchable, and mindful still of his 
Great charge and vast responsibility ; 
High in the temple of the living God 
He stood, amidst the people, and declared 
Aloud the truth, the whole revealed truth, 
Ready to seal it with his blood. # * 

The uncircumcised infidel believed ; 
Light-thoughted mirth grew serious and wept ; 
The laugh profane, sunk in a sigh of deep 
Repentance, the blasphemer kneeling, prayed, 
And prostrate in the dust, for mercy called ; 
And cursed, old, forsaken sinners, gnashed 
Their teeth, as if their hour had arrived. 
Such was his calling, his commission such. 



THC MINISTKX AiSCESSAni. 131 

Yet he was humble, kind, forgiving, meek, 
Easy to be entreated, gracious, mild ; 
And, with all patience and affection, taught, 
Rebuked, persuaded, solaced, counselled, warned, 
In fervent style and manner. 
Deep learned in the philosophy of heaven, 
He searched the causes out of good and ill, 
Profoundly calculating their effects, 
* * * and balancing, 

In the arithmetic of future things, 
The loss and profit of a soul to all 
Eternity." 

3. To be efficient in the itinerancy, ministers 
must be well instructed in the science of salvation, 

" To treat with men of everlasting things, 
Of life, death, bliss, and wo ; to offer terms 
Of pardon, grace, and peace, to the rebelled; 
To teach the ignorant soul, to cheer the sad ; 
To bind, to loose, with all authority ; 
To give the feeble strength, the hopeless hope ; 
To help the halting and to lead the blind ; 
To warn the careless, heal the sick of heart, 
Arouse the indolent, and on the proud 
And obstinate offender to denounce 
The wrath of God." 



Where they may best acquire this knowledge is a 
question among divines. Our church has been 



132 . THE TRUE EVANGELISM ♦ 

accustomed to direct her candidates first of all to 
the word of God, — the embodiment of divine 
truth, and to its great Author, the fountain of all 
wisdom ; and then to the writings and experience 
of the good and wise of every age. And we have 
yet to learn that these are not the better sources 
of information. At all events, those who have 
had most to do with them, in their studies, and 
preparations for the ministry, have most distin- 
guished themselves in their profession. They 
have displayed a skilfulness in " winning souls," 
and keeping them in the faith, which others might 
envy. There is a freshness, simplicity, animation, 
appropriateness, and power about their communi- 
cations, which make them attractive and success- 
ful, while those who study and preach " vain 
philosophy, " as no doubt many do, are but " blind 
leaders of the blind," not having yet learned even 
the rudiments of salvation. 

Itinerants must be men of study, close, prayer- 
ful, spiritual study. We want to know all about 
our business, and especially how to " convert " the 
sinner from the " error of his ways, and save a 
soul from death." This is the great object of 
knowledge, in reference to which, all our studies 
should be directed. 

4. Men who will preach Christ at whatever sac- 
rifice, are the men for itinerancy. Though it is 



THB MINISTRY NECESSARY. 133 

due to the minister that he be comfortably sup- 
ported, and this is necessary to his greatest useful- 
ness, yet it should not be the condition of his 
preaching. Paul prosecuted his ministerial duties 
with great vigor, though compelled to labor with 
his hands for support. His language is : — " We 
suffer all things lest we should hinder the gospel 
Though I be free from all men, yet have I made 
myself servant to all, that I might gain the more. 
And this I do for the gospel's sake, not seeking 
mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they 
may be saved. I rejoice in my sufferings for you, 
and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of 
Christ in my flesh, for his body's sake, which is 
the Church. Even unto this present hour, we 
both hunger and thirst, and are naked, and are 
buffeted, and have no certain dwelling place, and 
labor, working with cur owu hands. In perils 
among false brethren, in weariness and painful- 
ness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in 
fastings often, in cold and nakedness. In all 
things approving ourselves as ministers of God." 

Though the sufferings of our itinerancy bear no 
comparison to those which this apostle experien- 
ced, many have not moral courage to endure them. 
They want more salary, less moving, less reproach, 
less labor, and more of the honor of this world. 

If thev cannot accommodate themselves otherwise, 
12 



134 THE TRUE EVANGELIST. 

the world is summoned to give ear to their reasons 
for changing their church relations. But God un- 
derstands it. He sees that they seldom go from 
honor to dishonor, from wealth to poverty, from 
the many to the few ; that their march is uniform- 
ly in another direction. And so do wicked men 
see it, and its tendency is to destroy all confidence 
in the ministry, and reduce it to a level with other 
callings. For the honor of Christianity it is to be 
hoped such speculators will meet with deserved 
neglect every w 7 here, till they find their appropri- 
ate place in some secular business, adapted to 
their taste. The fewer of this class of men we 
have in our ranks the better it will be for all con- 
cerned. They will never make such preachers 
as the nature of the work requires 



CHAPTER VIII. 



LOCAL PREACHERS AS THEY STAND RELATED TO 
THE ITINERANCY. 

A local preacher in our church, is one who is 
not a regular itinerant, and depends on his own 
resources for support. Personal piety, and a di- 
vine call to the ministry, are as necessary to his 
efficiency as to that of itinerants ; and the rule of 
Discipline referred to in the last chapter, respects 
him no less than others. 

The first act of the church in regard to this 
class of preachers, was passed in 1779, and is as 
follows : — " Every exhorter and local preacher to 
go by the directions of the assistants (preachers 
in charge) where and only where they shall ap 
point." This shows that they were designed to 
be coadjutors to the travelling preachers, and be 
subject to their directions. They are amenable 
to the quarterly conference of the circuit or sta- 
tion where they belong. They are expected to 
preach on the Sabbath whenever there is an op- 
portunity, and to do it gratuitously, travelling 

135 



136 THE TRUE EVANGELIST. 

expenses excepted, unless it be where they regu- 
larly " fill the place of a travelling preacher by the 
approbation of the presiding elder ;" or where they 
are distressed in their temporal circumstances on 
account of ministerial services rendered. In one 
case, they are to be paid for their time, in propor- 
tion to the allowance of the travelling preacher, 
and in the other, they are to receive what the quar- 
terly conference are able, and disposed to give. 

The justice and propriety of this arrangement 
will appear on a moment's reflection. In the first 
place, they have their time during the week, which 
they may devote to lawful employment, like any 
private member, having no pastoral charge to re- 
quire their attention. And, as to their prepara- 
tion for the pulpit, only preaching occasionally in 
the same place, they are not supposed to need 
much more application to study than a Sabbath 
school teacher, or a class-leader, who has to ad- 
dress the same hearers weekly, if, indeed, they do 
so much. And these officiaries consider that the 
personal advantage they derive from their prepar- 
atory labors well repays the outlay. There is no 
more propriety, therefore, in local preachers charg- 
ing the church for their occasional services, than 
there is for our teachers and leaders. Nor half 
so much as there is for stewards, because they de- 
vote much time to their pecuniary duties, which 



LOCAL PREACHERS. 137 

afford no personal profit, other than a conscious- 
ness of having done their duty. The church 
does not license these men to tax her for services, 
and make gain of the gospel. She does it that 
they may be more useful, and she expects them to 
devote their talents to this object, as the Provi- 
dence of God may direct, without remuneration. 
When she recommends them to the annual con- 
ference, to become travelling preachers, she will 
thereby declare, that they ought to cease from 
worldly business, and devote themselves to the 
ministry, and be supported. Is not this Metho- 
dism ? Is it not reasonable? 

When, however, a local preacher is necessarily 
at expense in getting to his appointment, it is to 
be met by the church he serves. And when he 
supplies the place of a travelling preacher, and is 
thus taken away from his business, he is to be re- 
munerated according to the time he spends. As 
the church does not intend to enrich him by his 
license, so she will not impoverish him. Hence, 
the farther provision, that if he spends time in 
aiding the travelling preacher in the circuit, the 
quarterly conference may consider the matter, and 
make him an allowance. 

To pay a local preacher for his occasional ser- 
vices, would be a dangerous precedent. The 
church will next be called upon to pay stewards 
12* 



138 THE TRUE EVANGELIST. 

and leaders, and Sabbath school teachers; and 
then, perhaps, to hire members to attend church 
and class. If a few local preachers have violated 
our excellent rule in this matter, it is to be regret- 
ted. Brethren had better shut up their houses, or 
read a sermon, or hold a prayer meeting, than to 
give the least countenance to the practice. 

From what has been said, it is easy to perceive 
the relation which local preachers sustain to the 
itinerancy. Where the circuit system prevails, 
they may find ministerial work nearly every Sab- 
bath, and so, indeed, where it does not, if we take 
pains to open up new fields. There are many neigh- 
borhoods, from which few attend any church, that 
may be brought under successful cultivation. 
Some two or three of them may be connected 
with one of our stations in a regular circuit, and 
a plan of appointments be made out, bringing all 
the local preachers into the work. We may also 
unite two or more stations into a circuit, and give 
them a travelling preacher, and one or two local 
preachers to supply the balance of the time. This 
would give all the preachers work — keep up the 
small societies, and organize new ones, lessen the 
burdens of our leading men, keep the Sabbath 
schools in operation, and, withal, give one trav- 
elling preacher a fair pastoral business, and a com- 
fortable support. 



LOCAL PREACHERS. 139 

Is it objected, that our people will not hear the 
local preachers ? Then they have done wrong in 
giving them a license, and ought to retract it im- 
mediately. Men who cannot preach occasionally 
to the edification and profit of the people, should 
not be licensed. It is a paradox to authorize a 
man to preach, and thereby declare we believe he 
is called to the work, and then refuse to hear him. 
We ought to blush at such trifling. 

Is it objected, that the local preachers will not 
serve without pay ? The mass of them certainly 
will, and be glad of the chance. They naturally 
feel, while doing nothing, that they are of no con- 
sequence, and many have felt this long enough. 
They will rejoice to be brought out, where they 
can co-operate with their brethren in this holy 
work, according to our excellent economy. En- 
glish local preachers are kept on the plan contin- 
ually, and many of them walk several miles every 
Sabbath morning, for the privilege of preaching 
the gospel gratuitously, and feel themselves highly 
honored at that. Have ours lost the heavenly 
unction, that they must be paid for the privilege? 
We cannot believe it. 

An arrangement of this kind would not only 
strengthen and extend the itinerancy, but it would 
be a great blessing to the local preachers. Min- 
isters reallv called of God must work, or suffer 



140 THE TRUE EVANGELIST. 

the " wo." If many of our local men are dull 
and worldly, it is not to be wondered at. Paul 
himself would have been no better, had he taken 
this course. And unless we alter our hand, we 
had better abandon the office, and let these men 
go back into the private ranks. To encourage 
the thought that they ought to preach, by giving 
them a license, and make no provision for their 
doing so, is bad economy, to say the least. Give 
them a chance, and then if they do not improve 
it, and render themselves useful, discharge them. 
Ought not itinerants to look after this business 
with great care, and bring all the local talent 
within their charge, into the most appropriate ex- 
ercise? 

But the travelling preachers, and the church, 
are not alone responsible in this matter. Local 
brethren should find work for themselves, always 
avoiding any interference with our settled arrange- 
ments. Where they are properly engaged they 
will do so. One has this moment called upon us, 
who will always have work some where, and suc- 
ceed in it too, though a man of small advantages. 
Three others of our acquaintance have recently 
moved into a part of the country where there are 
few Methodists, but they had not been there many 
days, before they formed a regular circuit on the 
English plan. _ They will do good. They preach, 



LOCAL PREACHERS. 141 

because they feel it their duty, and lore the work. 
This is the right style of a local preacher — a man 
full of faith and the Holy Ghost, who will work, 
and that in a way to consolidate, and strengthen, 
and extend the cause, at whatever sacrifice. O ! 
how important such men are to the interests of 
our church. A few of them scattered through 
the church would do more to restore our circuit 
system, than all the fair speeches and fine essays 
in the universe. May they be multiplied an hun- 
dred fold. 

If there be any who throw themselves in the 
way, to subvert the itinerancy, the sooner they 
leave us the better. And the same is true of any 
who may hold the office for unworthy purposes, 
such as getting access to our people in their trav- 
elling speculations, to sell nostrums, or get sub- 
scribers for periodicals, or to get their bread with- 
out charge. The church needs no ministers, but 
those who will work unless disabled by sickness. 
Others must of necessity be an incumbrance, and 
it is no less the policy than the duty of the church 
to rid herself of such, whenever they appear. 



CHAPTER IX. 

THE DUTIES OF STEWARDS IN RELATION TO THE 
ITINERANCY. 

The steward's office was at first strictly finan- 
cial. It is principally so at present, but not ex- 
clusively. Stewards form a sort of council to the 
preachers, to advise in important matters, both in 
respect to personal and official conduct. Thus, 
the office is one of great responsibility and impor- 
tance. 

A board of stewards composed of men such 
as the Discipline specifies, viz., "men of solid 
piety, who both know and love the Methodist doc- 
trine and discipline, and of good natural and ac- 
quired abilities/ 5 must be of peculiar service to 
any preacher, however wise, and particularly, on 
his first appearance among them. They may give 
him information, which will add much to his use- 
fulness, and otherwise contribute to his efficiency 
and success. While, on the other hand, if they 
look at him askant, meet him with evident dis- 
like and either complain of him to others, or en- 

142 



STEWARDS. 143 

tertain and encourage their complaints, they may 
embarrass, and do him more harm than all the 
other members of the church. In regard to his 
usefulness, " they are a savior of life unto life, 
or of death unto death. " Hence, the importance 
of their being " men of solid piety " that they 
may not be governed by a narrow, selfish spirit ; 
and that they " know and love the Methodist dis- 
cipline," that they may advise intelligently, and 
with a view to the good of the cause. 

It has been objected to our itinerancy, that it 
creates instability in the operations of society. 
So far as general operations are concerned, this 
cannot be true, as these are definitely settled for 
the whole Connection, by disciplinary rules, and 
are therefore the same with all preachers, and in 
all places. As it respects particulars, not provi- 
ded for, the objection might have some force, but 
for the abiding presence and influence of stew- 
ards. They know what the order of the church 
has been, and under what economy it has suc- 
ceeded best, and are expected, by virtue of their 
office, to interpose good advice, whenever an un- 
favorable divergency is attempted. In this way, 
they operate as a sort of regulator, both to the 
church and the minister, and where they are faith- 
ful to their high trust, and keep within their 
proper province, being neither too officious, or 



144 THE TRUE EVANGELIST. 

neglectful, they are not only a regulator to the 
church, but an engine, by which both minister 
and people are sweetly propelled forward to glori 
ous achievements. Young ministers, especially, 
need just such a body of men to sustain them in 
their new and difficult work. When perplexed 
with doubts, and fears, and uncertainty, in rela- 
tion to what is the proper course to pursue, to 
have the kind, and official advice of a pious and in- 
telligent board, is a great relief, and may save the 
church from many evils, which might otherwise 
result from their inexperience. It is to be feared, 
that stewards in general do not properly appre- 
ciate the importance of their office, and are not, 
therefore, as beneficial, either to the church or 
the preacher, as they might be. 

Viewed in its financial bearings, merely, the 
office holds an intimate relation to the itinerancy. 
Men who devote themselves entirely to the minis- 
try must be supported by the church. But for 
them to say or do much about this, will create 
prejudice against them, and impair their influence. 
This business, therefore, has been entrusted to 
the stewards, whose duty it is to look after the 
wants of the preacher, and take all proper means 
to supply them ; and it is expected that they will 
do it. If they neglect this, the preacher will be 
embarrassed. This will lead him to suspect that 



STEWARDS. 145 

his services are not appreciated, and, perhaps, 
necessitate him to run in debt, or suffer, all of 
which will operate to discourage him in the work, 
and unfit him for effective duty. For, what can a 
man do for a church, weighed down with such 
embarrassments ? He must be more than mortal 
not to be essentially unnerved, if not driven to 
location. To expect a minister to serve them with 
spirit and energy, while little or no attention is 
paid to his temporal wants, is unreasonable. He 
cannot do it. And to expect men to continue 
long in the itinerancy, under such neglect, is 
equally so. Stewards, therefore, have the destiny 
of our church, in a great measure, in their own 
hands. They may discourage and prostrate the 
preacher, so that he cannot work, and thus bring 
down ruin upon their own heads, and upon the 
society to which they belong; or they may, by 
fidelity to their duty, keep him in good spirits, and 
render him a blessing to the people he now serves, 
and to others to whom the itinerancy will intro- 
duce him hereafter. A few hints upon this aspect 
of the steward's office will finish all I have to say 
upon the subject. 

1. Stewards should commence operations to se- 
cure the support of their preacher in season. 
Where it is to be raised by subscription, it is well 

to take the subscriptions at the close of each year, 
13 



146 THE TRUE EVANGELIST. 

before the preacher, for whose support they are ta- 
ken, makes his appearance ; — always observing to 
specify in writing, that it is for the preacher who 
may be sent, without reference to any one in par- 
ticular. This will give the subscribers ample 
time to prepare to make their payments; and what 
is not unimportant, it will compel them to sub- 
scribe from principle, and not from personal predi- 
lection for the preacher himself. Then, if they 
particularly esteem the man who is sent, and wish 
to give more, they can do so : but if they do not 
esteem him as highly as they would another, never- 
theless, he has something to live upon, and may 
be useful. It is an object to induce all our peo- 
ple to subscribe for the cause, and not for the man. 
Till they do so, churches will be subject to much 
vacillation in their circumstances. It is also an 
object to have them subscribe in season, as they 
will generally do more on the principle, that men 
will give more for an article on long credit, than 
in cash down. But if any thing should occur to 
prevent doing this business at the close of the 
year, let it be done immediately after the com- 
mencement of the following year. 

Stewards ought, also, to be seasonable in making 
their collections. Itinerants seldom have more 
than enough money to pay their moving expenses, 
if indeed, they have so much, and will need cash, 



STEWARDS 147 

or credit, very soon. There is not a year passes, 
in which many do not have to borrow money to 
get to their new stations. To ask for money the 
first thing, is unpleasant, and, being a stranger, to 
ask credit, is not less so. Unless, therefore, the 
stewards are thoughtful and prompt enough to 
step forward and volunteer their assistance, the 
poor man may suffer irremediably in his feelings, 
and perhaps otherwise, and thus be discouraged 
for the year, if not for life. Let the stewards 
meet him with fifty or an hundred dollars in ad- 
vance, or at least with jive dollars, and the result 
will be different. And, especially, if at the same 
time they give him a small donation visit, as is 
sometimes done, supplying his worn-out family 
with needful food for a few days, or weeks, till 
they can get a little settled. This will require but 
a small sacrifice on the part of any one individual, 
and will be immensely useful to the preacher and 
his family in their circumstances. And, besides, 
such will be the effect of this kind greeting up- 
on his sensibilities, that whatever qualifications he 
may possess, they will be exerted, in the best 
manner, in grateful return for the kindness re- 
ceived. So says philosophy, and so says fact ; and 
there is not a board of stewards in the country 
which might not do this work in very good and ac- 
ceptable style, if they would take the pains to set 
it on foot. 



148 THE TRUE EVANGELIST. 

We now call to mind one poor society, which 
thus met their preacher, who was an entire stran- 
ger. Having reached the house where he was ex- 
pected to live, and surveyed the premises with a 
heart sufficiently heavy, the society, stewards, 
leaders and others came pouring in upon him, 
shaking his hand, as if it had been that of an old 
friend, presenting provisions for several weeks, be- 
sides other valuables. We need not say that this 
kind reception, none the less welcome for being 
unexpected, disarmed the stranger of all his fears, 
and contributed to the happiness and success of 
his two years' pilgrimage in the place. Poor soci- 
eties which expect to fall short of a full support 
for their preacher, ought to atone, as far as possi- 
ble, for this deficiency, by their promptness, and 
the multiplication of their little attentions, which 
make the heart glad, if they do not enrich the 
purse. And the earlier they are shown, the more 
influential they will be. 

2. Stewards should do their work faithfully. 
It is not enough to begin in season, it must be 
done thoroughly. Where it is necessary, every 
man in community, who is able, should be asked 
to contribute, and be shown that it is his duty, 
whether he attends the meeting or not. There is 
frequently too much timidity in this business. 
Men are passed by, or slightly reminded of what 



1 



STEWARDS. 149 

they may do, and there the matter rests, and no- 
thing is done Now, this is not right, — they 
ought to be deliberately talked with, on the sub- 
ject, and made, if possible, to feel their responsi- 
bility. It must be done kindly, indeed, for it can 
be done in no other way, but emphatically, and 
with perseverance. And if the stewards will pre- 
pare themselves with a little subscription book and 
carry it with them, they will find the men, and 
they will find the time, without going much out 
of their way. 

They should not only be faithful in getting the 
necessary amount subscribed, but in collecting it. 
Whether it is to be paid weekly, or monthly, or 
quarterly, or yearly — whether it comes in the 
shape of class collections, subscriptions, or pew 
rents, or taxes, they should see that it be paid at 
the time, and train all the people in this way of do- 
ing business. The preacher's expenses are accu- 
mulating daily. He must be supplied from month 
to month, or quarterly, or run in debt, and be em- 
barrassed. And then, if you don't collect your 
dues at the time, some of them will be lost. The 
subscriber will be sick, or move away, or take 
offence, or otherwise evade your claim, and the 
preacher may have to suffer the loss. Get the 
money the first hour after it is due, if possible. 
This is the only way to make it sure. Many 
13* 



150 THE TRUE EVANGELIST. 

among us can pay a little monthly, or quarterly, 
or oftener, and be none the worse off, but if you 
don't call till the close of the year you may get 
nothing. 

3. Stewards ought to act from principle, and 
not from feeling toward the preacher, either 
good or bad. It is the cause that is to be looked 
at, and not the preacher, merely. Steward's have 
sometimes been known to beg every farthing they 
could, and even borrow, and otherwise run in 
debt, to make up a large amount for their preacher 
because they had a particular fondness for him ; 
and the next year to be correspondingly negligent, 
because not so highly pleased. The first collec- 
tions, of course, in such a case, must be appro- 
priated to the payment of last year's debts, and 
the stewards relaxing effort, the other members 
catch the same spirit, and the preacher suffers 
cold treatment, and hard fare, and. is finally sent 
off in debt, either to locate in despair, or run the 
awful risk of another similar trial. We have 
no evidence that such things are common among 
stewards. We believe they are not, but they have 
occurred, and may again, unless guarded against. 
Stewards should be just as faithful, in trying to 
support a man with whom they are not particularly 
pleased, as they are to support a favorite. They 
are not appointed to their office to sit in judgment 



STEWARDS. 151 

on the preachers, and feed or starve, as they may 
chance to like or dislike them. By no means. 
Such conduct is unjust, and ungenerous in the 
extreme, and is equally dishonorable and danger- 
ous to the cause. Methodism could not long live 
under such an administration, and not only stew- 
ards, but all others, interested in the prosperity of 
the church, should set their face as a flint against 
every appearance of so great an evil. 

4. Stewards should adopt a liberal, high-minded 
policy, in reference to the support of their preach- 
er. There are two extremes to be avoided. One 
is a niggardly, penny-saving, ultra economy, 
which makes out a low estimate, and meets it, if 
at all, in odds and ends. The other is an economy 
which devises things too liberal for the circum- 
stances, and thus harases society continually with 
duns and debts. The happy medium lies midway 
between these, and should be carefully sought by 
those who have the matter in charge, and cor- 
dially concurred in by all the members. The ab- 
solute necessities of life are very few, and may be 
had for a small sum. A preacher may live in an 
inferior house, in an out-of-the-way place, at a 
small rent, — he can get along with little furniture, 
and that which is old and nearly worthless, and 
live in other respects accordingly, and in this way 
save his society considerable expense. But who 



152 THE TRUE EVANGELIST. 

does not know that this would be miserable policy 
for the people. If ministers had the power of 
working miracles, in demonstration of their 
mission, they might command attention, however 
circumstanced ; but not pretending to this high 
qualification, it is necessary for them to assume 
an external attitude, which, while it is innocent 
in itself, is calculated to give them the greatest 
amount of influence over the people they would 
teach and save. Now, it is a settled fact, that 
community judge of men by their appearance. 
When they see a minister miserably clad, — living 
as a poor outcast from society, they naturally infer 
that he is nothing, and nobody, and that his peo- 
ple are a low and unworthy class of beings, whose 
society is to be avoided ; and there they leave 
them, without taking the pains to examine the 
matter any further. Here is a fact, the result of 
which is, that such a minister is necessitated to 
work on a small scale, and to little purpose. His 
benevolent designs are thwarted at the outset, by 
his appearance, which repels the community, and 

cuts off all useful , communication with them. 

r 
Were he to take the attitude of a vain, hair-brained 

dandy, the result would be nearly the same, though 

in this case he would rather be despised than 

pitied. Stewards, therefore, should furnish their 

preachers with respectable and convenient tene- 



STEWARDS. 153 

ments, and furniture, and with other means of 
making a respectable appearance before the com- 
munity, and thus show that they respect them- 
selves, and the minister God has sent them, or 
submit to be treated with cold neglect. What is 
saved here in dollars and cents, by parsimony, is 
doubly lost in influence and success. This is a 
lesson which some have learned too late, but 
which is coming to be better understood than for- 
merly. 

Let all our stewards faithfully weigh the matter, 
and submit it to the test, and they will find a lib- 
eral economy to be the true policy — that they 
not only accomplish more for God, and the souls 
of men, but that they meet their expenses with 
less labor and difficulty. And, not alone for the 
reasons just stated^ for the preachers, seeing that 
their people respect and appreciate them, and be- 
ing in circumstances of comfort and convenience, 
will feel more respect for themselves and their 
people, and improve their better condition in 
study, and labor with greater efficiency and suc- 
cess 



CHAPTER X. 



THE OFFICE AND DUTIES OF CLA.SS LEADERS AS 
CONNECTED WITH THE ITINERANCY. 

Classes were originally formed by Mr. Wesley 
for the more prompt collection of a penny a week 
from each member, toward discharging church 
debts. It was soon discovered that the leaders, 
visiting the members weekly, as they did, might 
be of great service in watching over them spirit- 
ually. Says Mr. Wesley, 

" But as much as we desired to watch over 
each other, we soon found some who did not live 
the gospel. The people were scattered so wide 
in all parts of the town, that I could not easily 
see what the behavior of each person in his neigh- 
borhood was, so that several disorderly walkers did 
much hurt before I was aware of it. At length, 
while we were thinking of quite another thing, we 
struck upon a method for which we have cause to 
bless God ever since. I was talking with several 
of the society concerning the means of paying the 
debts, when one stood up and said, " Let every 
member of the society give a penny a week till all 

154 



CLASS LEADERS. 155 

are paid." Another answered, " But many are 
poor, and cannot afford to do it." " Then," said 
he, " put eleven of the poorest with me ; and if 
they can give any thing, well ; I will call on them 
weekly ; and if they can give nothing, I will give 
for them as well as for myself." It was done. In 
a while, some of these informed me, they found 
such and such a one did not live as he ought. 
It struck me immediately, This is the thing ; the 
very thing we have wanted so long. I called to- 
gether all the leaders of the classes, and desired 
that each would make a particular inquiry into 
the behavior of those whom he saw weekly. They 
did so. Many disorderly walkers were detected. 
Some turned from the evil of their ways. Some 
were put away from us. Many saw it with fear, 
and rejoiced unto God with reverence." 

Thus it appears, that class-meetings, as means 
of grace, like other features of our system, were 
strictly Providential in their origin. The finan- 
cial duties of leaders have been varied according 
to circumstances,, and show at once the necessity 
of the office to the energetic operation of the 
itinerant system. But their pastoral responsibili- 
ties have remained about the same, with this dif- 
ference, — at first, they were required to call on 
each member weekly, but afterward, it was found 
to be more convenient to meet their members 



156 THE TRUE EVANGELIST. 

together at some specified time and place, which 
superseded the necessity of the weekly call, ex- 
cept in regard to those who were unable to meet. 
The duties of the leader are clearly stated in 
our book of discipline. They are required by the 
General Rules, " To see each person in their 
class once a week at least; in order, (1), To in- 
quire how their souls prosper. And, (2), To 
advise, reprove, comfort or exhort, as occasion 
may require." How sublime the work ! 

" They watch for souls, for which the Lord 
Did heavenly bliss forego ! 
For souls which must for ever live, 
In raptures, or in wo ! " 

In another section it is made the duty of the 
leader " carefully to inquire how every soul of his 
class prospers : not only how each person ob- 
serves the outward rules, but how he grows in the 
knowledge and love of God." His office is, there- 
fore, one of vast spiritual magnitude. It is 
emphatically pastoral, and involves obligations in 
reference to his class, similar to those of the 
preacher in regard to the w T hole church. He is 
the official assistant of the preacher in guiding 
souls to heaven, and the success of the cause de- 
pends much upon his efficiency. Terrible re- 
sponsibility ! O, that every leader could be im- 



CLASS LEADERS. 157 

pressed with the high moral grandeur of his posi- 
tion ! How earnestly would he pray for divine 
aid in the discharge of its duties ! 

It is also made the duty of the leaders, to " con- 
verse with those who have the charge of their 
circuits, frequently and freely — to inform them 
of any that are sick, or of any that walk disorder- 
ly and will not be reproved." This indicates the 
connection they sustain to the itinerancy, and the 
necessity of the office, particularly in large cir- 
cuits, and stations. It also explains the reason 
for the leaders being appointed by the preacher, 
— they being his pastoral " helpers," to co-ope- 
rate with him in overseeing, feeding, and discip- 
lining the flock. In this aspect of their office, they 
hold nearly the same relation to the preacher in 
charge, that the presiding elder does to the 
bishop. 

To the leaders, too, is submitted the important 
work of examining candidates for church mem- 
bership, before they are presented. None can 
" be received into the church until they are re- 
commended by a leader with whom they have met 
at least six months on trial." See Dis. p. 84. It 
is for them also, to recommend persons to be re- 
ceived on trial, though this does not belong to 
them exclusively. How appropriate, therefore, is 
the requisition of the Discipline, that they " be 
14 



158 THE TRUE EVANGELIST. 

not only men of sound judgment, but men truly 
devoted to God!" Dr. Coke and Bishop As- 
bury have given the office its proper character and 
importance in their notes on the Discipline. 
They say : " The office is of vast consequence. 
The revival of the work of God does perhaps de- 
pend as much upon the whole body of the leaders, 
as it does upon the whole body of the preachers. 
We have almost constantly observed, that when a 
leader is dull, or careless, or inactive, the class is, 
in general, languid : but on the contrary, when 
the leader is much alive to God, and faithful in 
his office, the class is also, in general, lively and 
spiritual. Every leader is in some degree a gospel 
minister. Our leaders, under God, are the sinews 
of our society, and our revivals will ever, in a 
great measure, rise or fall with them." 

With this view of the office, who can fail to see 
its admirable adaptation to our itinerant system ? 
It is an indispensable adjunct, without which the 
system would be essentially defective. And ex- 
ercised with fidelity, it furnishes a complete refu- 
tation of some of the strongest objections urged 
against our itinerancy ; for, after all, though our 
ministry is itinerant, we have a settled pastorate. 

In conclusion we suggest, 1. The necessity of 
leaders being men of sound, fervent, and enlight- 
ened piety. Without this sacred endowment, they 



CLASS LEADERS. 159 

cannot properly appreciate their high responsibil- 
ities, or discharge them successfully. They may, 
indeed, go through with the form, but alas ! it 
will be a spiritless operation. They must feel the 
" blessedness," before they can speak of it with 
becoming interest and power. And, besides, they 
are to be examples to their flock, — not only to 
teach and exhort, but to furnish the model in their 
own experience and practice, both in religious 
meetings and before the world. We have been 
mortified and afflicted many times by the bad ex- 
ample of class leaders in our prayer meetings, and 
love feasts ; and, indeed, on other occasions. If 
these functionaries neglect their duty, what may 
we expect of their class members. Piety, pro- 
found, burning piety, is indispensable to their ef- 
ficiency. 

2. Leaders should prepare themselves, by pre- 
vious reading, meditation and prayer, to come be- 
fore their classes with something both instructive 
and inspiring. They need spiritual and intellec- 
tual preparation as well as preachers, and they 
may have it, without necessarily infringing upon 
other duties. If they will husband their time, 
with a view to the office, and read those books 
which are calculated to aid them ; and earnestly 
pray for the blessing of God, they need not fail of 
suitable qualifications or great usefulness. 



160 THE TRUE EVANGELIST. 

3. It is very important also, that leaders be 
punctual in meeting their classes, and visiting 
their members. The preacher who neglects to 
meet his appointments will soon be without hear- 
ers, and a tardy, inconstant leader, need not ex- 
pect to fare better. Frequently to leave a class 
without a leader, or to be much behind the hour 
of commencement, will destroy it. The meeting 
should be opened at the time, and, perhaps, we 
may add, closed in good season, as such meetings 
are sometimes tediously lengthy. 

Leaders ought to take particular care to "see" 
their members often. We apprehend this part of 
their duty is too much neglected. Absentees are 
not visited as they should be. They are, there- 
fore, sometimes sick, or untrue to their profession 
for weeks and even months, without the preacher 
knowing any thing of the matter. And this 
part of duty may he performed by almost any 
one, who will make his calculations for it, and 
watch his opportunity. Many leaders whose bu- 
siness engrosses most of their time, nevertheless 
are prompt and faithful here. They have made 
up their minds to serve God and the church in 
this high vocation, with all their might, and hence, 
while others are spending their precious hours 
in mere self-indulgence, they are looking after 



CLASS LEADERS. 161 

their flock. Heaven bless them in this noble 
work ! They shall not lose their reward ! 

The neglect of this duty has often proved dis- 
astrous. It has, no doubt, had the effect in manv 
instances, of turning members away from the 
church, and from Christ for ever. O ! how im- 
portant for leaders to keep a scrupulous watch 
over every soul committed to their care ! 

4. Leaders should also he faithful in their spir- 
itual treatment of each member. Faithful in 
their inquiries, instructions, and reproofs. Their 
inquiries should be particular, covering the whole 
ground of Christian experience and practice. 
This will prepare the way for appropriate instruc- 
tions and reproof. General remarks are of little 
worth, whether in the class member or the leader. 
The heart needs to be searched, — sometimes 
probed ; and at others, bound up, and comforted. 
We fear there is too little plain dealing in our 
classes — too little close personal conversation. 
Leaders will do well to examine themselves in this 
matter, and see that they be found faithfuL 

5. Finally, we suggest the importance of 
preachers having frequent meetings of the leaders 
under their charge, for the specific purposes of 
examining and improving them. Preachers in fee- 
ble health, and otherwise unable to do as much 

pastoral work as they could desire, may, in this 

14* 



16Q THE TRUE EVANGELIST. 

way, keep the whole church in a lively state of j 
prosperity. One great difficulty has been, to find ! 
men suitable for the office ; but this will be con- ; 
siderably obviated by thus training brethren for it 
And it may not be amiss to appoint assista?it lead- 
ers, who shall also attend these meetings, and thus 
be preparing for the office at some future time. 
Nothing can be more certain, than that the im-* 
portance of rigorously maintaining our class meet-] 
ings is not properly estimated. Decline in this 
branch of our economy, sends a deadly paralysis 
through the whole system. Hence says Dr. Coke 
and Bishop Asbury in their notes, " Our ministers 
and preachers should consider no time better em- 
ployed than that which they bestow on leaders, in 
examining them, directing them, and stirring 
them up to their holy and momentous duty." 



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